1
|
Al-Hussaini M, Abdel-Razeq H, Shamieh O, Al-Ani A, Hammouri M, Mansour A. Assessment of psycho-oncology in the Middle East and North Africa region: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncologist 2024:oyae193. [PMID: 39137150 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae193] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to witness a significant increase in the burden of cancer. Contrary to Western literature, the burden of psycho-oncology is yet to be established within the MENA region. This study reviews all available evidence characterizing the psychological burden among patients with cancer across the MENA region. METHODS We systematically explored the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, and Web of Science (WoS) databases for reports on the psychiatric burden among patients with cancer residing within the MENA region from January 2000 until January 2023. Raw proportion were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model. FINDINGS Eighty-three studies comprised of 16 810 participants, representing 14 countries, met our inclusion criteria. Across the MENA region, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and distress were 44% (95% CI, 39%-50%), 47% (95% CI, 40%-54%), and 43% (95% CI, 30%-56%), respectively. Prevalence of depression was significantly different across countries, with Palestine (73%; 95% CI, 42%-91%) reporting the highest rate while Morocco (23%; 95% CI, 7%-56%) reported the lowest. Similarly, anxiety significantly differed across MENA nations ranging from 64% (95% CI, 3%-99%) in Morocco to 28% (95% CI, 18%-42%) in Tunisia. Rates of depression and anxiety were significantly different across measurement tools but not between Arabic-speaking versus Persian/Farsi-speaking countries. Meta-regression models showed that neither publication year nor age affected the prevalence of both anxiety and depression (P = .374 and .091 for depression and P = .627, and .546 for anxiety, respectively). INTERPRETATION We report an abnormally high rate of psychiatric burden among patients with cancer in the MENA region. Thus, establishing appropriate psycho-oncologic interventions within the MENA region is of utmost importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Cell Therapy and Applied Genomics, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Hikmat Abdel-Razeq
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Omar Shamieh
- Centre for Palliative and Cancer Care in Conflict, Department of Palliative Care, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | - Abdallah Al-Ani
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
| | | | - Asem Mansour
- Office of Director General, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Wyk C, Al-Sayegh H, Al-Kiyumi SI, Al-Mamari GS, Al Saegh AA. The Manchester Scoring System for predicting BRCA1/2 mutations underperforms in Arabic Omani breast cancer patients. J Genet Couns 2024. [PMID: 38888083 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1939] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Risk assessment models that are applied to assess the lifetime risk of cancer and pathogenic variant risk are more commonly used in Western populations. Using these models, without validation, for non-Western populations has been questioned. This study aimed to evaluate the use and consistency of the Manchester Scoring System as a risk assessment model for the Omani population. A retrospective, file-based analysis was performed on breast cancer patients seen in a genomics department over a two-year period. Personal cancer history and family history were used to analyze the Manchester scores of 409 breast and/or cancer patients. The results show that, overall, the Manchester scores were low. If this risk assessment model had been used to determine eligibility for a priori service and genetic testing decisions, 12 BRCA pathogenic cases would have been missed. At this time, the Manchester Scoring System does not seem to be the best risk assessment model for use in the Omani population, unless the eligibility threshold of ≥6 is used, which could provide a better sensitivity for the Omani population. We propose using concepts of the Manchester Scoring model to create a scoring system that is more suitable for the Omani and Arabic population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantel van Wyk
- Genomics Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hasan Al-Sayegh
- Research Laboratories Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sara I Al-Kiyumi
- Genomics Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ghaida S Al-Mamari
- Genomics Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman
| | - Abeer A Al Saegh
- Genomics Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ameri MA, Shanbhag NM, Bin Sumaida A, Ansari J, Trad DA, Dawoud EA, Balaraj K. Oncotype DX in Breast Cancer Management: Insights and Outcomes From the United Arab Emirates. Cureus 2024; 16:e56535. [PMID: 38516286 PMCID: PMC10955450 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56535] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer remains the most significant cancer affecting women worldwide, with an increasing incidence, especially in developing regions. The introduction of genomic tests like Oncotype DX has revolutionized personalized treatment, allowing for more tailored approaches to therapy. This study focuses on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, aiming to assess the predictive accuracy of the Oncotype DX test in categorizing patients based on recurrence risk. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 95 breast cancer patients diagnosed at Tawam Hospital between 2013 and 2017 who underwent Oncotype DX testing. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and Oncotype DX scores were collected. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the chi-square goodness of fit test assessing the model's adequacy. Results The cohort's age range was 27-71 years, with a mean age of 50, indicating a significant concentration of cases in the early post-menopausal period. The Oncotype DX analysis classified 55 patients (57.9%) as low risk, 29 (30.5%) as medium risk, and 11 (11.6%) as high risk of recurrence. The majority, 73 patients (76.8%), did not receive chemotherapy, highlighting the test's impact on treatment decisions. The survival analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates across the Oncotype DX risk categories (p = 0.268231). Conclusion The Oncotype DX test provides a valuable genomic approach to categorizing breast cancer patients by recurrence risk in the UAE. While the test influences treatment decisions, particularly the use of chemotherapy, this study did not find a significant correlation between Oncotype DX risk categories and actual recurrence events. These findings underscore the need for further research to optimize the use of genomic testing in the UAE's diverse patient population and enhance personalized treatment strategies in breast cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nandan M Shanbhag
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, ARE
- Oncology/Radiation Oncology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, ARE
- Oncology/Palliative Care, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, ARE
| | | | | | | | | | - Khalid Balaraj
- Oncology/Radiation Oncology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, ARE
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mansour R, Al-Ani A, Al-Hussaini M, Abdel-Razeq H, Al-Ibraheem A, Mansour AH. Modifiable risk factors for cancer in the middle East and North Africa: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:223. [PMID: 38238708 PMCID: PMC10797965 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This scoping review examines controllable predisposing factors attributable to cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's adult population, highlighting opportunities to enhance cancer prevention programs. DESIGN We systematically searched the PubMed, Science Direct, and CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from 1997 to 2022 for articles reporting on the impact of modifiable risk factors on adult patients with cancer in the MENA region. RESULTS The review identified 42 relevant articles, revealing that tobacco consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, and diet are significant modifiable risk factors for cancer in the region. Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of lung, bladder, squamous cell carcinoma, and colorectal cancer. A shift towards a westernized, calorie-dense diet has been observed, with some evidence suggesting that a Mediterranean diet may be protective against cancer. Obesity is a known risk factor for cancer, particularly breast malignancy, but further research is needed to determine its impact in the MENA region. Physical inactivity has been linked to colorectal cancer, but more studies are required to establish this relationship conclusively. Alcohol consumption, infections, and exposure to environmental carcinogens are additional risk factors, although the literature on these topics is limited. CONCLUSION The review emphasizes the need for further research and the development of targeted cancer prevention strategies in the MENA region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Razan Mansour
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas, USA
| | - Abdallah Al-Ani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hikmat Abdel-Razeq
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Akram Al-Ibraheem
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Asem H Mansour
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bu R, Siraj AK, Al-Rasheed M, Iqbal K, Azam S, Qadri Z, Haqawi W, Tulbah A, Al-Dayel F, Almalik O, Al-Kuraya KS. Identification and characterization of ATM founder mutation in BRCA-negative breast cancer patients of Arab ethnicity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20924. [PMID: 38017116 PMCID: PMC10684510 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48231-0] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide with germline pathogenic variants/likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) in BRCA1/2 accounting for a large portion of hereditary cases. Recently, heterozygous PVs/LPVs in the ATM serine/threonine kinase or Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene (ATM) has been identified as a moderate susceptibility factor for BC in diverse ethnicities. However, the prevalence of ATM PVs/LPVs in BC susceptibility in Arab populations remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the prevalence of ATM PVs/LPVs among BC patients from Saudi Arabia, employing capture-sequencing technology for ATM PVs/LPVs screening in a cohort of 715 unselected BC patients without BRCA1/2 PVs/LPVs. In addition, founder mutation analysis was conducted using the PHASE program. In our entire cohort, four unique PVs/LPVs in the ATM gene were identified in six cases (0.8%). Notably, one recurrent LPV, c.6115G > A:p.Glu2039Lys was identified in three cases, for which haplotype analysis confirmed as a novel putative founder mutation traced back to 13 generations on average. This founder mutation accounted for half of all identified mutant cases and 0.4% of total screened cases. This study further reveals a significant correlation between the presence of ATM mutation and family history of BC (p = 0.0127). These findings underscore an approximate 0.8% prevalence of ATM germline PVs/LPVs in Arab BC patients without BRCA1/2 PVs/LPVs and suggest a founder effect of specific recurrent ATM mutation. These insights can help in the design of a genetic testing strategy tailored to the local population in Saudi Arabia, thereby, enabling more accurate clinical management and risk prediction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Bu
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul K Siraj
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Al-Rasheed
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kaleem Iqbal
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud Azam
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeeshan Qadri
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael Haqawi
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Tulbah
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Al-Dayel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Almalik
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawla S Al-Kuraya
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Research Centre at KFNCCC, Human Cancer Genomic Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, MBC#98-16, P.O. Box 3354, 11211, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peter S, Aderibigbe BA. Chlorambucil-Bearing Hybrid Molecules in the Development of Potential Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2023; 28:6889. [PMID: 37836732 PMCID: PMC10574256 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196889] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing cases of cancer have been a primary concern in recent decades. Developing new chemotherapeutics is challenging and has been faced with limitations, such as multidrug resistance, poor specificity, selectivity, and toxicity. The aforementioned factors contribute to treatment failure. Hybrid compounds have features that can overcome the limitations mentioned above. Chlorambucil, an anticancer drug that is used to treat prostate and breast cancer, suffers from poor aqueous solubility and specificity, a short half-life, and severe side effects, including anaemia and bone marrow suppression. It compromises the immune system, resulting in treatment failure. Hence, its combination with other pharmacophores has been reported to result in effective anticancer agents with fewer side effects and high therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, this review gives an update (2010 to date) on the developments of chlorambucil hybrid compounds with anticancer activity, and the structure-activity relationship (SAR), and also highlights future strategies for developing novel anticancer agents.
Collapse
|
7
|
Al-Shamsi HO, Abu-Gheida I, Sameh K, Tahoun NE, Musallam KM. Arab Countries and Oncology Clinical Trials: A Bibliometric Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4428. [PMID: 37760398 PMCID: PMC10526906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184428] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing cancer burden is a major health concern in Arab countries with cross-regional variations in cancer profiles. Given the limited oncology research output and scarce data on cancer trial participation in the Arab region, this study explored the therapeutic cancer trial landscape in Arab countries over the past 20 years. A bibliometric analysis of the PubMed database was conducted on primary publications of therapeutic trials with a participating Arab center. Arab countries participated in 320 published cancer-related therapeutic trials (2000-2021). During this period, there was a consistent increase in the number of trials, sample size, multiregional site participation, and number of randomized trials. However, most trials were small, did not receive external funding, and included a single Arab site. Compared with Arab-only trials, trials with joint non-Arab sites were larger (p = 0.003) and more likely to be externally funded (p < 0.001). Citation numbers and journal impact factors were higher in trial publications with joint non-Arab authorship than those without (p < 0.001, for both). Despite improving conduct and publication records of oncology trials with Arab centers, cancer trial participation remains limited in Arab countries. Concerted efforts are required to encourage sponsorship and international collaboration in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humaid O. Al-Shamsi
- Burjeel Cancer Institute, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (I.A.-G.); (K.M.M.)
- College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman P.O. Box 4184, United Arab Emirates
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Gulf Cancer Society, Alsafa P.O. Box 2311, Kuwait
| | - Ibrahim Abu-Gheida
- Burjeel Cancer Institute, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (I.A.-G.); (K.M.M.)
| | - Kareem Sameh
- Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC, Dubai Media City, Dubai P.O. Box 502749, United Arab Emirates; (K.S.); (N.E.T.)
| | - Nouran E. Tahoun
- Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC, Dubai Media City, Dubai P.O. Box 502749, United Arab Emirates; (K.S.); (N.E.T.)
| | - Khaled M. Musallam
- Burjeel Cancer Institute, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (I.A.-G.); (K.M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mahrous M, Omar Jebriel A, Allehebi A, Shafik A, El Karak F, Venturini F, Alhusaini H, Meergans M, Ali Nahit Sendur M, Ouda M, Al-Nassar M, Kilickap S, Al Turki S, Al-Fayea T, Abdel Kader Y. Consensus Recommendations for the Diagnosis, Biomarker Testing, and Clinical Management of Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Exon 14 Skipping Mutations in the Middle East, Africa, and Russia. Cureus 2023; 15:e41992. [PMID: 37492039 PMCID: PMC10365828 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial transition exon 14 (METex14) skipping mutations occur in about 3%-4% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This is an aggressive subtype associated with poor prognosis. METex14 skipping is a potentially targetable mutation. Targeted therapy is a promising treatment modality for patients with advanced/metastatic METex14-mutant NSCLC. Performing systematic molecular testing to detect the driver mutation is essential for initiating targeted therapy. However, there is a lack of guidelines on molecular testing for assessing the eligibility of patients for targeted therapy. Therefore, a multidisciplinary panel consisting of experts from the Middle East, Africa, and Russia convened via a virtual advisory board meeting to provide their insights on various molecular testing techniques for the diagnosis of METex14 skipping mutation, management of patients with targeted therapies, and developing consensus recommendations for improving the processes. The expert panel emphasized performing molecular testing and liquid biopsy before treatment initiation and tissue re-biopsy for patients with failed molecular testing. Liquid biopsy was recommended as complementary to tissue biopsy for disease monitoring and prognosis. Selective MET inhibitors were recommended as the first and subsequent lines of therapy. These consensus recommendations will facilitate the management of METex14 skipping NSCLC in routine practice and warrant optimum outcomes for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mervat Mahrous
- Oncology, Minia University, Minia, EGY
- Oncology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Ahmed Allehebi
- Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Amr Shafik
- Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EGY
| | - Fadi El Karak
- Oncology, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, School of Medicine, Beirut, LBN
- Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beirut, LBN
- Oncology, Clemenceau Medical Center, Dubai, ARE
| | | | - Hamed Alhusaini
- Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | | | - Mohamed Ouda
- Oncology, Merck Serono Middle East FZ-Ltd., Dubai, ARE
| | | | | | | | - Turki Al-Fayea
- Oncology, King Fahad Medical City - Ministry of National Guard, Jeddah, SAU
- Oncology, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Al-Ani A, Amarin JZ, Al-Huneidy L, Al-Hussaini M. Sex differences in cancer incidence and mortality among patients managed at King Hussein Cancer Center. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:1960-1968. [PMID: 35830208 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34213] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We investigated if female survival advantage trends in cancer are consistent within Jordanian patients with cancer across different age groups and non-sex specific cancer types. We explored the King Hussein Cancer Center registry for primary malignant tumors from 2006 to 2019. The registry (n = 16,454) was stratified into three groups based on age: children (<15 years), adolescents and young adults (AYA) (modified; 15 - 49 years), and older adults (≥50 years). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the 5-year all-site cancer-specific survival probabilities, which were compared using the log-rank test by sex and age group. Out of 16,454 eligible records, 2286 (13.9%) were children, 5975 (36.3%) were AYAs, and 8193 (49.8%) were older adults. Males outnumbered females 10,339 (62.8%) to 6115 (37.2%). The 5-year OS rates were 74.0% (71.6%-76.4%) and 72.7% (69.9%-75.5%) for pediatric males and females, respectively, 57.3% (55.6%-59.0%) and 64.5% (62.6%-66.4%) for male and female AYAs, respectively, and 37.5% (36.2%-38.9%) and 44.2% (42.3%-46.2%) for older adult males and females, respectively. Females demonstrated significantly better overall survival in the AYA and older adults' groups. In conclusion, females exhibit a survival advantage in terms of non-sex specific cancers. This advantage peaks at the AYA age stratum and mitigates thereafter. Further studies are warranted to examine the etiological factors behind such discrepancy on a site-by-site basis so that sex-specific interventions can be designed and validated. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Al-Ani
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Justin Z Amarin
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|