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Kartik P, Liu JF, Sudarsan RT, Srinivasan A, Jayaraman D, Sivaprakasam P, John R, Uppuluri R, Scott JX, Jalali R, Dandapani M. Evaluation of Pathway to Diagnosis of Pediatric Brain Tumors in Tamil Nadu, India. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2300214. [PMID: 38386953 PMCID: PMC10898677 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Delayed diagnosis and poor awareness are significant barriers to the early intervention of pediatric brain tumors. This multicenter observational study aimed to evaluate the baseline routes and time to diagnosis for pediatric brain tumors in Tamil Nadu (TN), with the goal of promoting early diagnosis and timely referrals in the future. METHODS A standard proforma was used to retrospectively collect information on demographics, diagnosis, referral pathways, and symptoms of incident pediatric brain tumor cases between January 2018 and October 2020 across eight tertiary hospitals in TN. Dates of symptom onset, first presentation of health care, and diagnosis were used to calculate total diagnostic interval (TDI), patient interval (PI), and diagnostic interval (DI). RESULTS A total of 144 cases (mean age, 6.64 years; range, 0-15.1 years) were included in the analysis. Among those, 94% (135/144) were from city/district areas, 40% (55/144) were self-referred, and 90% (129/144) had one to three health care professional visits before diagnosis. Median TDI, PI, and DI were 3.5 (IQR, 1-9.3), 0.6 (IQR, 0.1-4.6), and 0.6 (IQR, 0-3.3) weeks, respectively. Low-grade gliomas had the longest median TDI (6.6 weeks), followed by medulloblastomas (4.6 weeks) and high-grade gliomas (3.3 weeks). Average number of symptoms recorded was 1.7 at symptom onset and 1.9 at diagnosis. CONCLUSION Although there are some similarities with data from the United Kingdom, many low-grade and optic pathway tumors were unaccounted for in our study. DIs were relatively short, which suggests that infrastructure may not be a problem in this cohort. Increased training and establishment of proper cancer registries, combined with proper referral pathways, could enhance early diagnosis for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Kartik
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jo-Fen Liu
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Dhaarani Jayaraman
- Sri Ramachandra Institute for Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | | | - Rikki John
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - Rakesh Jalali
- Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Madhumita Dandapani
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Monsereenusorn C, Alcasabas AP, Loh AHP, Soh SY, Leung KWP, Kimpo M, Dhamne C, Blair S, Lam C, Photia A, Rujkijyanont P, Traivaree C, Pairojboriboon S, Rodriguez-Galindo C. Impact of treatment refusal and abandonment on survival outcomes in pediatric osteosarcoma in Southeast Asia: A multicenter study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29556. [PMID: 35038209 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29556] [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: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment refusal and abandonment (TxRA) are major barriers to improving outcomes among children with sarcomas of the extremities as curative treatment options bearing on amputation or disfiguring surgery, particularly in countries with limited resources. A multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted to determine the predictive factors for TxRA among patients with osteosarcoma associated with survival outcomes across Southeast Asia (SEA). METHODS Pediatric patients with osteosarcoma treated between January 1998 and December 2017 in four SEA pediatric oncology centers from three countries were studied. Nelson-Aalen estimates, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox's proportion hazard model were applied to address the cumulative incidence, survival outcomes, and to identify prognostic factors associated with TxRA. RESULTS From a total of 208 patients with osteosarcoma enrolled; 18 (8.7%) patients refused and 41 (19.7%) patients abandoned treatment. Income classification of countries, age at diagnosis, tumor size, disease extent, chemotherapy protocols, and types of surgery were associated with TxRA. Tumor size more than 15 cm was an independent risk factor associated with TxRA. The 5-year overall and relapse-free survivals were 49.4% and 50.4%, respectively. However, these rates declined further to 37.9% and 35.8%, respectively, when TxRA were considered as events. Tumor size larger than 15 cm and metastatic disease were independent risk factors associated with TxRA-sensitive outcomes. CONCLUSION The prevalence of TxRA was high in SEA, particularly in lower middle-income countries. Factors associated with TxRA related to tumor burden. Treatment outcomes could be substantially improved by lowering the refusal and abandonment rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalinee Monsereenusorn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ana Patricia Alcasabas
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Amos Hong Pheng Loh
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Shui Yen Soh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Haematology/Oncology Service, Department of Paediatric Subspecialties, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Miriam Kimpo
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology & Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Transplantation, University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chetan Dhamne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Sally Blair
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine Lam
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Apichat Photia
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piya Rujkijyanont
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanchai Traivaree
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutipat Pairojboriboon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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3
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Magnitude and Trends of Childhood Cancer in India. Indian Pediatr 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-021-2209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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4
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Faruqui N, Bernays S, Martiniuk A, Abimbola S, Arora R, Lowe J, Denburg A, Joshi R. Access to care for childhood cancers in India: perspectives of health care providers and the implications for universal health coverage. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1641. [PMID: 33143668 PMCID: PMC7607709 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are multiple barriers impeding access to childhood cancer care in the Indian health system. Understanding what the barriers are, how various stakeholders perceive these barriers and what influences their perceptions are essential in improving access to care, thereby contributing towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This study aims to explore the challenges for accessing childhood cancer care through health care provider perspectives in India. METHODS This study was conducted in 7 tertiary cancer hospitals (3 public, 3 private and 1 charitable trust hospital) across Delhi and Hyderabad. We recruited 27 healthcare providers involved in childhood cancer care. Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded after obtaining informed consent. A thematic and inductive approach to content analysis was conducted and organised using NVivo 11 software. RESULTS Participants described a constellation of interconnected barriers to accessing care such as insufficient infrastructure and supportive care, patient knowledge and awareness, sociocultural beliefs, and weak referral pathways. However, these barriers were reflected upon differently based on participant perception through three key influences: 1) the type of hospital setting: public hospitals constituted more barriers such as patient navigation issues and inadequate health workforce, whereas charitable trust and private hospitals were better equipped to provide services. 2) the participant's cadre: the nature of the participant's role meant a different degree of exposure to the challenges families faced, where for example, social workers provided more in-depth accounts of barriers from their day-to-day interactions with families, compared to oncologists. 3) individual perceptions within cadres: regardless of the hospital setting or cadre, participants expressed individual varied opinions of barriers such as acceptance of delay and recognition of stakeholder accountabilities, where governance was a major issue. These influences alluded to not only tangible and structural barriers but also intangible barriers which are part of service provision and stakeholder relationships. CONCLUSION Although participants acknowledged that accessing childhood cancer care in India is limited by several barriers, perceptions of these barriers varied. Our findings illustrate that health care provider perceptions are shaped by their experiences, interests and standpoints, which are useful towards informing policy for childhood cancers within UHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Faruqui
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sarah Bernays
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Martiniuk
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Seye Abimbola
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ramandeep Arora
- Cankids … Kidscan, New Delhi, India.,Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Avram Denburg
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rohina Joshi
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
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5
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Improving outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Indian Subcontinent by focussing on treatment and prevention of infections. PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phoj.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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6
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Ganguly S, Kinsey S, Bakhshi S. Childhood cancer in India. Cancer Epidemiol 2020; 71:101679. [PMID: 32033883 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2020.101679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
India has made significant improvement in childhood cancer services in last few decades. However, the outcome still remains modest as compared to global standards due to significant barriers in recognition, diagnosis and cure. Data regarding comprehensive childhood cancer burden in country is lacking due to low and urban predominant coverage of population-based cancer registry programs. The available data shows lower incidence of childhood cancer incidence especially in leukaemia and CNS tumours which may suggest poor awareness of caregivers and delayed diagnosis with many "missed cases". Incidence data are also skewed towards male preponderance which suggests gender bias in seeking healthcare. The childhood cancer services in India are predominantly restricted to few tertiary care centres in major cities. The outcome in major groups of cancer is complicated by delayed and more advanced stage of presentation and poor supportive care during intensive treatment. Treatment refusal and abandonment remains major hurdles. Last few decades saw development of dedicated paediatric oncology services and training programs in the country. The development of InPOG (Indian Paediatric Oncology group) for conducting collaborative trials will lead to adoption of uniform treatment protocols suited for the country. Financial support through the government promoted health insurance and holistic support through philanthropic organizations have improved treatment adherence and outcome. Moving forward, the focus should be on strengthening the cancer registries for capturing nationwide data, improving awareness of childhood cancer among caregivers and healthcare workers for early recognition and improving accessibility of childhood cancer care services beyond major cities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally Kinsey
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, University of Leeds, Honorary Consultant Paediatric Haematologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sameer Bakhshi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
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7
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Faruqui N, Joshi R, Martiniuk A, Lowe J, Arora R, Anis H, Kalra M, Bakhshi S, Mishra A, Santa A, Sinha S, Siddaiahgari S, Seth R, Bernays S. A health care labyrinth: perspectives of caregivers on the journey to accessing timely cancer diagnosis and treatment for children in India. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1613. [PMID: 31791308 PMCID: PMC6889559 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7911-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cure rates for children with cancer in India lag behind that of high-income countries. Various disease, treatment and socio-economic related factors contribute to this gap including barriers in timely access of diagnostic and therapeutic care. This study investigated barriers to accessing care from symptom onset to beginning of treatment, from perspectives of caregivers of children with cancer in India. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers of children (< 18 years) diagnosed with cancer in seven tertiary care hospitals across New Delhi and Hyderabad. Purposive sampling to saturation was used to ensure adequate representation of the child’s gender, age, cancer type, geographical location and socioeconomic status. Interviews were audio recorded after obtaining informed consent. Thematic content analysis was conducted and organised using NVivo 11. Results Thirty-nine caregivers were interviewed, where three key themes emerged from the narratives: time intervals to definitive diagnosis and treatment, the importance of social supportive care and the overall accumulative impacts of the journey. There were two phases encapsulating the experiences of the family: referral pathways taken to reach the hospital and after reaching the hospital. Most caregivers, especially those from distant geographical areas had variable and inconsistent referral pathways partly due to poor availability of specialist doctors and diagnostic facilities outside major cities, influence from family or friends, and long travel times. Upon reaching the hospital, families mostly from public hospitals faced challenges navigating the hospital facilities, finding accommodation, and comprehending the diagnosis and treatment pathway. Throughout both phases, financial constraint was a recurring issue amongst low-income families. The caregiver’s knowledge and awareness of the disease and health system, religious and social factors were also common barriers. Conclusion This qualitative study highlights and explores some of the barriers to childhood cancer care in India. Our findings show that referral pathways are intrinsically linked to the treatment experience and there should be better recognition of the financial and emotional challenges faced by the family that occur prior to definitive diagnosis and treatment. This information would help inform various stakeholders and contribute to improved interventions addressing these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Faruqui
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rohina Joshi
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alexandra Martiniuk
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Ramandeep Arora
- Cankids…Kidscan, New Delhi, India.,Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Manas Kalra
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Ayyagari Santa
- Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Bernays
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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8
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Sinha S, Brattström G, Palat G, Rapelli V, Segerlantz M, Brun E, Wiebe T. Treatment Adherence and Abandonment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Pediatric Patients at a Low-Resource Cancer Center in India. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/ijmpo.ijmpo_84_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: One of the causes for lower cure rates in acute childhood leukemia in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC) compared to high-income countries is abandonment from treatment. The International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) defines abandonment as failure to begin treatment or an absence of 4 weeks during treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of abandonment among patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the pediatric ward at a low-resource cancer center in India. Methods: Medical records of all patients, aged 0–15 years, diagnosed with AML between January 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015, at the hospital were reviewed. Age, sex, date of diagnosis, and survival during the short follow-up time after completed treatment and information regarding abandonment were collected. SIOP definition of abandonment was used. Eight patients were diagnosed with AML at the hospital whereof 65 met the inclusion criteria of this study. Results: Of the included 65 patients, 6 died before treatment could be initiated and 3 were referred to palliative care upfront. Thus, 56 patients were offered curatively intended treatment. Of these patients, six refused treatment at this stage and another five abandoned during therapy. Altogether, 11 children abandoned treatment. Conclusion: In this study, the abandonment rate from treatment of childhood AML was 20%, which is in concordance from other studies conducted in India and other LMIC, stating that abandonment is a problem and hindrance when treating with a curative intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudha Sinha
- Department of Medical Oncology, MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Gayatri Palat
- Palliative Access (PAX) Program, MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration-INCTR, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vineela Rapelli
- Palliative Care Program, MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mikael Segerlantz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Institute for Palliative Care, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University
- Department of Palliative Care and Advanced Home Health Care, Primary Health Care Skane, Region Skane
| | - Eva Brun
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiophysics, Skane University Hospital
| | - Thomas Wiebe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Hu Y, Chen A, Zheng X, Lu J, He H, Yang J, Zhang Y, Sui P, Yang J, He F, Wang Y, Xiao P, Liu X, Zhou Y, Pei D, Cheng C, Ribeiro RC, Hu S, Wang QF. Ecological principle meets cancer treatment: treating children with acute myeloid leukemia with low-dose chemotherapy. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 6:469-479. [PMID: 34691895 PMCID: PMC8291445 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard chemotherapy regimens for remission induction of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We performed a cohort study to determine the impact of reducing the intensity of remission induction chemotherapy on the outcomes of selected children with AML treated with a low-dose induction regimen plus granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (low-dose chemotherapy (LDC)/G-CSF). Complete response (CR) after two induction courses was attained in 87.0% (40/46) of patients receiving LDC/G-CSF. Post-remission therapy was offered to all patients, and included standard consolidation and/or stem cell transplantation. During the study period, an additional 94 consecutive children with AML treated with standard chemotherapy (SDC) for induction (80/94 (85.1%) of the patients attained CR after induction II, P = 0.953) and post-remission. In this non-randomized study, there were no significant differences in 4-year event-free (67.4 vs. 70.7%; P = 0.99) and overall (70.3 vs. 74.6%, P = 0.69) survival in the LDC/G-CSF and SDC cohorts, respectively. After the first course of induction, recovery of white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were significantly faster in patients receiving LDC/G-CSF than in those receiving SDC (11.5 vs. 18.5 d for WBCs (P < 0.001); 15.5 vs. 22.0 d for platelets (P < 0.001)). To examine the quality of molecular response, targeted deep sequencing was performed. Of 137 mutations detected at diagnosis in 20 children who attained hematological CR after two courses of LDC/G-CSF (n = 9) or SDC (n = 11), all of the mutations were below the reference value (variant allelic frequency <2.5%) after two courses, irrespective of the treatment group. In conclusion, children with AML receiving LDC/G-CSF appear to have similar outcomes and mutation clearance levels, but significantly lower toxicity than those receiving SDC. Thus, LDC/G-CSF should be further evaluated as an effective alternative to remission induction in pediatric AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Hu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China
| | - Aili Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xinchang Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China
| | - Hailong He
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Nothern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pinpin Sui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fuhong He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China
| | - Peifang Xiao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China
| | - Xin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinmei Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN 38105, USA
| | - Deqing Pei
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN 38105, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN 38105, USA
| | - Raul C Ribeiro
- Department of Oncology and Global Medicine, International Outreach Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, China
| | - Qian-Fei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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10
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Faruqui N, Martiniuk A, Sharma A, Sharma C, Rathore B, Arora RS, Joshi R. Evaluating access to essential medicines for treating childhood cancers: a medicines availability, price and affordability study in New Delhi, India. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001379. [PMID: 31139456 PMCID: PMC6509613 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Limited access to essential medicines (EMs) for treating chronic diseases is a major challenge in low-income and middle-income countries. Although India is the largest manufacturer of generic medicines, there is a paucity of information on availability, price and affordability of anti-neoplastic EMs, which this study evaluates. Methods Using a modified WHO/Health Action International methodology, data were collected on availability and price of 33 strength-specific anti-neoplastic EMs and 4 non-cancer EMs. Seven 'survey anchor' hospitals (4 public and 3 private) and 32 private-sector retail pharmacies were surveyed. Median price ratios (MPRs) were calculated by comparing consumer prices with international reference prices (IRPs). Results On average, across survey anchor areas (hospital and private-sector retail pharmacies combined), the mean availability of anti-neoplastic EMs and non-cancer medicines was 70% and 100%, respectively. Mean availability of anti-neoplastic EMs was 38% in private-sector retail pharmacies, 43% in public hospital pharmacies and 71% in private hospital pharmacies. Median MPR of lowest-priced generic versions was 0.71 in retail pharmacies. The estimated cost of chemotherapy medicines needed for treating a 30 kg child with standard-risk leukaemia was INR 27 850 (US$442) and INR 17 500 (US$278) for Hodgkin's lymphoma, requiring 88 and 55 days' wages, respectively, for the lowest paid government worker. Conclusion Most anti-neoplastic EMs are found in survey anchor areas, however, mean availability was less than non-cancer medicines; not meeting the WHO target of 80%. Medicine prices were relatively low in New Delhi compared with IRPs. However, the cost of chemotherapy medicines seems unaffordable in the local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Faruqui
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Martiniuk
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Precision Health Economics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rohina Joshi
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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Howard SC, Zaidi A, Cao X, Weil O, Bey P, Patte C, Samudio A, Haddad L, Lam CG, Moreira C, Pereira A, Harif M, Hessissen L, Choudhury S, Fu L, Caniza MA, Lecciones J, Traore F, Ribeiro RC, Gagnepain-Lacheteau A. The My Child Matters programme: effect of public–private partnerships on paediatric cancer care in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet Oncol 2018; 19:e252-e266. [DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(18)30123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Howard SC, Davidson A, Luna-Fineman S, Israels T, Chantada G, Lam CG, Hunger SP, Bailey S, Ribeiro RC, Arora RS, Pedrosa F, Harif M, Metzger ML. A framework to develop adapted treatment regimens to manage pediatric cancer in low- and middle-income countries: The Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries (PODC) Committee of the International Pediatric Oncology Society (SIOP). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64 Suppl 5. [PMID: 29297619 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries are treated in hospitals lacking key infrastructure, including diagnostic capabilities, imaging modalities, treatment components, supportive care, and personnel. Childhood cancer treatment regimens adapted to local conditions provide an opportunity to cure as many children as possible with the available resources, while working to improve services and supportive care. This paper from the Adapted Treatment Regimens Working Group of the Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries committee of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology outlines the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of adapted regimens and specifies levels of services needed to deliver them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Howard
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Alan Davidson
- Haematology-Oncology Service, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandra Luna-Fineman
- Hematology/Oncology/SCT, Center for Global Health, Children, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Trijn Israels
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guillermo Chantada
- CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Hospitals JP Garrahan and Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Hemato-Oncology Service, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catherine G Lam
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Stephen P Hunger
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Simon Bailey
- Paediatric Neuro-Oncology and Paediatric Oncology, Sir James Spence Institute of Child Health, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Raul C Ribeiro
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ramandeep S Arora
- Department of Medical Oncology, Max Super-Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Mhamed Harif
- Department of Hematology, Hôpital 20 août, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Monika L Metzger
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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Suhag V, Sunita BS, Vats P, Sarin A, Singh AK, Jain M. Clinical Profile of Pediatric Oncology Patients Treated by External Beam Radiotherapy: An Institutional Experience. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2017; 38:28-32. [PMID: 28469334 PMCID: PMC5398103 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5851.203497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pediatric tumors are a heterogeneous group of malignant conditions requiring multimodal treatment, and management of such cases is at time challenging. We present the clinical profile of pediatric cancer patients who received radiation, either alone or as adjuvant to surgery and chemotherapy; in prophylactic, radical or palliative clinical setting. Aim: This study was envisaged to review our experience of pediatric oncology cases, their clinical and morphological profile, dosage schedule of radiotherapy, and the therapy induced complications. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective, observational study carried out in an apex tertiary care cancer institute of government set-up in a developing country. Materials and Methods: The treatment charts and clinical summary of patients who had received radiation over the last 5 years period were retrieved and perused. Various clinical and pathological parameters were studied and inferences drawn. Results: A total of 50 patients got radiation over 5 year study-period, including 37 male and 13 female patients. The commonest age group of presentation was 8-12 years followed by 13-16 years. The mean age of presentation was 9.3 years. The most common diagnosis was hematological malignancies followed by CNS tumors with 21 and 13 patients respectively. Overall the most common indication of RT was in adjuvant setting after surgery as the definitive management, where 24 patients were irradiated; and the next common indication was prophylactic cranial irradiation in 14 patients of childhood leukemias. 10 patients tolerated treatment with Grade 1 site-specific or systemic toxicities while 7 patients developed Grade 2 and more systemic toxicities. 9 patients received craniospinal irradiation, common indications being medulloblastoma and Atypical teratoma rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). 3 patients received concurrent chemotherapy with weekly Inj Vincristine. 17 patients required sedation or short general anaesthesia for radiation planning and execution. Conclusion: External beam Radiotherapy constitutes an important component of management of pediatric cancers. One should be judicious in Radiotherapy planning, execution and monitoring acute and delayed toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Suhag
- Department of Radiotherapy, Army Hospital RR, Delhi, India
| | - B S Sunita
- Department of Pathology, Army Hospital RR, Delhi, India
| | - Pankaj Vats
- Department of Radiotherapy, Army Hospital RR, Delhi, India
| | - Arti Sarin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Command Hospital (SC) Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - A K Singh
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Army Hospital RR, Delhi, India
| | - Mayuri Jain
- Department of Radiotherapy, Army Hospital RR, Delhi, India
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Ceppi F, Ortiz R, Antillón F, Vasquez R, Gomez W, Gamboa J, Garrido C, Chantada G, Peña A, Gupta S. Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in Central America: A Report From the Central American Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (AHOPCA). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:78-82. [PMID: 26257093 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is curable in high-income countries (HIC), data from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are lacking. We therefore conducted a retrospective study of the Central American Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (AHOPCA) experience in treating ALCL. PROCEDURE We included all patients age <18 years newly diagnosed with ALCL treated between 2000 and 2013 in seven AHOPCA institutions. Retrospective data were extracted from the Pediatric Oncology Network Database. RESULTS Thirty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-five (81%) had advanced disease (stages III and IV), six (19%) were treated on the APO (doxorubicin, prednisone, vincristine) regimen, 15 (49%) on multi-agent chemotherapy designed for T-cell lineage malignancies (GuatALCL protocol), and 10 (32%) on BFM-based treatment regimens. Five-year overall event-free survival and overall survival were, respectively, 67.1 ± 8.6% and 66.7 ± 8.7%. All 10 events occurred in patients treated on BFM-based treatment regimens or the GuatALCL protocol, none on APO treatment: two patients experienced relapse, six treatment related mortality (TRM), and two abandonment. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of ALCL in countries with limited resources is feasible with similar outcomes as in HIC, though the causes of treatment failure differ. Less intensive regimens may be preferable in order to decrease TRM and improve outcomes. Prospective clinical trials determining the ideal treatment for LMIC children with ALCL are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ceppi
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roberta Ortiz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Manuel de Jesus Rivera Hospital, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Federico Antillón
- National Pediatric Oncology Unit, Francisco Marroquín Medical School, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Roberto Vasquez
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Hospital Benjamin Bloom, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Wendy Gomez
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children's Hospital, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Jessica Gamboa
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hospital Nacional de Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera", San José, Costa Rica
| | - Claudia Garrido
- National Pediatric Oncology Unit, Francisco Marroquín Medical School, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Guillermo Chantada
- Department of Hemato-oncology, Hospital JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,International Outreach Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Armando Peña
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Hospital Escuela-Universitario, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in low and middle-income countries: disease characteristics and treatment results. Curr Opin Oncol 2015; 26:650-5. [PMID: 25202926 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer. The cure rate of this disease is over 80% in developed countries utilizing protocols with very tolerable toxicity. Several factors contributed to this success, including the implementation of large collaborative clinical trials and the better understanding of disease biology allowing for risk-stratified treatment. We will review the current state of the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in low-income and medium-income countries. RECENT FINDINGS The picture differs from country to country, but recent advances have been made in many countries and the cure rates have improved significantly. Tackling problems such as access to care, abandonment of treatment and toxicity of protocols and the development of centers of excellence are critical for continued improvement. Twinning with programs in developed countries and the creation of regional collaborative groups will allow the implementation of risk-directed therapy and better supportive care. SUMMARY The experience in low-income countries shows that a structured approach to the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia results in improved survival.
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