1
|
Shakir M, Khowaja AH, Shariq SF, Irshad HA, Tahir I, Rae AI, Hamzah R, Gupta S, Park KB, Enam SA. Financing of Neurosurgical Care for Brain Tumors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries : A Scoping Review of Barriers and Strategies. World Neurosurg 2024; 189:473-482.e3. [PMID: 38901484 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Making neurosurgical care accessible to a larger portion of the population in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is integral due to the high mortality and morbidity associated with brain tumors. However, the high cost of care often makes it financially out of reach for many individuals. Therefore, this review aims to identify barriers to neurosurgical care of brain tumors in terms of financing in LMICs. METHODS Without restriction to language, a search of the literature was undertaken in a number of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and CINAHL, in order to find the most pertinent research involving financing of brain tumors in LMICs. The last day of the search was October 20, 2022. Following screening and data extraction, significant themes were found and categorized using thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 28 studies were analyzed in this review. The review highlighted some of the barriers to providing surgical care of brain tumors in LMICs. In the cited studies, surgical expenses (41%), neuroimaging costs (30%), and care-related expenses (33%) were the primary concerns. Addressing these challenges involves cross-border collaboration (23%), transparent financing systems (46%), awake craniotomy (15%), cost-effective/reusable intra-operative supplies (8%), and optimizing resources in healthcare systems (8%). CONCLUSIONS This study explored barriers and challenges to financing neurosurgical care of brain tumors in LMICs. Government support and transparency in healthcare financing should be prioritized to ensure that all individuals have access to surgical care of brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakir
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | | | | | | | - Izza Tahir
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ali I Rae
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Radzi Hamzah
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kee B Park
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shakir M, Khowaja AH, Shariq SF, Irshad HA, Tahir I, Rae AI, Hamzah R, Gupta S, Park KB, Enam SA. Workforce Challenges for the Neurosurgical Care of Brain Tumors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. World Neurosurg 2024; 189:387-398.e3. [PMID: 38925244 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Limited neurosurgical workforces remain one of the critical problems experienced in low resource settings. Therefore, our study aims to explore and summarize the key challenges to neurosurgical care of brain tumors in terms of workforce in LMICs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from inception to October 20, 2022. All extracted data were screened independently by 2 reviewers and thematically analyzed. We found and screened 3764 articles, of which 33 studies were included in our final analysis as per our inclusion criteria. Among the studies included, 33% highlighted the limited number of neurosurgeons, 39% emphasized the absence of specialized surgical teams, 7% pointed out a shortage of nursing staff, and 4% noted suboptimal anesthesia teams. The study uncovered the need for improved training programs in neuro-oncology (32%) and neuro-anesthesia (3%), as well as improved collaboration (32%), and multidisciplinary team structures (15%), are essential for tackling these workforce challenges and improving patient outcomes. It is crucial to implement targeted interventions and policy changes to address the barriers to the workforce in providing effective neurosurgical care to patients with brain tumors in developing countries. This might entail capacity building and training programs for healthcare professionals. Policymakers should consider allocating resources and funding for workforce development and making neurosurgical care a priority in healthcare plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakir
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | | | | | | | - Izza Tahir
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ali I Rae
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Radzi Hamzah
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kee B Park
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program for Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu S, Cheng Z, Wu Z, Liang Q, Chen S, Zhang J, Chen Z, Lin F, Chen Y, Wang J. The Association Between Socioeconomic Factors at Diagnosis and Survival in Medulloblastoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis and Population-Based Study. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1843-1856. [PMID: 37548855 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01656-9] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. The associations between socioeconomic statuses (SES) and survival outcomes of medulloblastoma remain unclear. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict medulloblastoma specific death (MBSD) and overall survival (OS) in patients with medulloblastoma, taking into account socioeconomic factors in patients with medulloblastoma. METHODS We included patients diagnosed with MB between 1975 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was performed to reduce selection bias. Multivariate cox proportional hazards model was used to assess SES impact and clinically relevant variables of medulloblastoma specific death and overall survival. Independent prognostic factors determined by multivariate analysis were used to construct nomograms. RESULTS A total of 2660 patients were enrolled after matching. Study showed unemployed rate (MBSD, high level vs. low level, P = 0.020) (OS, high level vs. low level, P = 0.017), and marital status (OS, married vs unmarried/unknown, P = 0.029) were important factors affecting prognosis of medulloblastoma in male. Meanwhile, median household income (MBSD, quartile 1 vs. quartile 3, P = 0.047) (OS, quartile 1 vs. quartile 2, P = 0.017) (OS, quartile 1 vs. quartile 3, P = 0.014), residence (MBSD, urban vs. rural, P = 0.041), and insurance status (MBSD, insured vs. uninsured/unknown, P = 0.002)(OS, insured vs. uninsured/unknown, P = 0.001) were significant factors affecting prognosis of medulloblastoma in female. Through the calibration plot and C-index test, our nomogram was also of predictive significance. CONCLUSIONS The unique features of MB have provided a scenario for analysis of the impact of racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic factors. The current findings have important public health implications for achieving the goal of a healthy population. Given the known morbidity rates, long-term psychological, financial and medical burdens that these children and their families must bear, it is critical to identify and address these gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuqing Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuqing Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiangtian Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenghe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhua Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yinsheng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shakir M, Tahir I, Shariq SF, Khowaja AH, Irshad HA, Rae AI, Hamzah R, Gupta S, Park KB, Enam SA. Follow-Up Care for Brain Tumors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Existing Challenges and Strategies for the Future. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01270. [PMID: 38967439 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Brain tumors have a poor prognosis and a high death rate. Sufficient aftercare is necessary to enhance patient results. But follow-up care provision is fraught with difficulties in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where a variety of variables can impede access to care. Therefore, our systematic review aimed to identify challenges to follow-up care for brain tumors and possible solutions in LMICs. METHODS A thorough search of the literature was performed from the beginning until October 20, 2022, using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. Studies focusing on the aftercare of brain tumors in LMICs met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers used the National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan categories to identify themes, extract relevant data, and evaluate individual articles. After being discovered, these themes were arranged in Microsoft Excel to make reporting and comprehension simpler. RESULTS A total of 27 studies were included in the review. Among the studies included, the most frequently cited barriers to follow-up care were financial constraints (54%), long-distance travel (42%), and a lack of awareness about the importance of follow-up care (25%). Other challenges included preference for traditional or alternative medications (4%) and high treatment costs (8%). Proposed strategies included implementing mobile clinics (20%), establishing a documentation system (13%), and educating patients about the importance of follow-up care (7%). CONCLUSION In LMICs, several issues pertaining to personnel, infrastructure, service delivery, financing, information management, and governance impede the provision of follow-up treatment for patients with brain tumors. As established by the suggested techniques found in the literature, addressing these issues will necessitate concurrent action by stakeholders, legislators, health ministries, and government agencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakir
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Izza Tahir
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Ali I Rae
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Radzi Hamzah
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kee B Park
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Poon MTC, Piper RJ, Thango N, Fountain DM, Marcus HJ, Lippa L, Servadei F, Esene IN, Freyschlag CF, Neville IS, Rosseau G, Schaller K, Demetriades AK, Robertson FC, Hutchinson PJ, Price SJ, Baticulon RE, Glasbey JC, Bhangu A, Jenkinson MD, Kolias AG. Variation in postoperative outcomes of patients with intracranial tumors: insights from a prospective international cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1299-1309. [PMID: 37052643 PMCID: PMC10326494 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad019] [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] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed the international variation in surgical neuro-oncology practice and 30-day outcomes of patients who had surgery for an intracranial tumor during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We prospectively included adults aged ≥18 years who underwent surgery for a malignant or benign intracranial tumor across 55 international hospitals from 26 countries. Each participating hospital recorded cases for 3 consecutive months from the start of the pandemic. We categorized patients' location by World Bank income groups (high [HIC], upper-middle [UMIC], and low- and lower-middle [LLMIC]). Main outcomes were a change from routine management, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 30-day mortality. We used a Bayesian multilevel logistic regression stratified by hospitals and adjusted for key confounders to estimate the association between income groups and mortality. RESULTS Among 1016 patients, the number of patients in each income group was 765 (75.3%) in HIC, 142 (14.0%) in UMIC, and 109 (10.7%) in LLMIC. The management of 200 (19.8%) patients changed from usual care, most commonly delayed surgery. Within 30 days after surgery, 14 (1.4%) patients had a COVID-19 diagnosis and 39 (3.8%) patients died. In the multivariable model, LLMIC was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio 2.83, 95% credible interval 1.37-5.74) compared to HIC. CONCLUSIONS The first wave of the pandemic had a significant impact on surgical decision-making. While the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 30 days after surgery was low, there was a disparity in mortality between countries and this warrants further examination to identify any modifiable factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T C Poon
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rory J Piper
- Department of Neurosurgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Nqobile Thango
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daniel M Fountain
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Hani J Marcus
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Laura Lippa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Servadei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University and IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Ignatius N Esene
- Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Christian F Freyschlag
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iuri S Neville
- Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gail Rosseau
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Karl Schaller
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Medical Center, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Faith C Robertson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Peter J Hutchinson
- Academic Division of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen J Price
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ronnie E Baticulon
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - James C Glasbey
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Michael D Jenkinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Walton Centre & University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Angelos G Kolias
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Paiva ALC, Vitorino-Araujo JL, Lovato RM, Costa GHFD, Veiga JCE. An economic study of neuro-oncological patients in a large developing country: a cost analysis. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2022; 80:1149-1158. [PMID: 36577414 PMCID: PMC9797276 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuro-oncological patients require specialized medical care. However, the data on the costs incurred for such specialized care in developing countries are currently lacking. These data are relevant for international cooperation. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to estimate the direct cost of specialized care for an adult neuro-oncological patient with meningioma or glioma during hospitalization in the largest philanthropic hospital in Latin America. METHODS The present observational economic analysis describes the direct cost of care of neuro-oncological patients in Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brazil. Only adult patients with a common primary brain tumor were included. RESULTS Due to differences in the system records, the period analyzed for cost estimation was between December 2016 and December 2019. A group of patients with meningiomas and gliomas was analyzed. The estimated mean cost of neurosurgical hospitalization was US$4,166. The cost of the operating room and intensive care unit represented the largest proportion of the total cost. A total of 17.5% of patients had some type of infection, and 66.67% of these occurred in nonelective procedures. The mortality rate was 12.7% and 92.3% of all deaths occurred in emergency procedures. CONCLUSIONS Emergency surgeries were associated with an increased rate of infections and mortality. The findings of the present study could be used by policymakers for resource allocation and to perform economic analyses to establish the value of neurosurgery in achieving global health goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Lariessy Campos Paiva
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Departamento de Cirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital do Coração, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Neurosurgery Department, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Address for correspondence Aline Lariessy Campos Paiva
| | - João Luiz Vitorino-Araujo
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Departamento de Cirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital do Coração, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Neurosurgery Department, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | - Renan Maximilian Lovato
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Departamento de Cirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital do Coração, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Neurosurgery Department, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | | | - José Carlos Esteves Veiga
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Departamento de Cirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Neurosurgery Department, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nyeko R, Kambugu JB, Angom R, Senyonjo H, Kibudde S, Geriga F, van Heerden J. The clinicopathological profile and value of multidisciplinary management of pediatric brain tumors in a low-income setting. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 40:267-280. [PMID: 36314611 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2022.2140861] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children worldwide. Data on the epidemiology and management of pediatric brain tumors in Uganda are limited. We aimed to assess the clinicopathological profile and management of pediatric brain tumors at the national oncology center in Uganda since the inception of weekly multidisciplinary meetings. Records of children younger than19 years diagnosed with primary brain tumors at Uganda Cancer Institute between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and tumor characteristics were collected with multidisciplinary team management treatment plans for analysis. There were 35 patients evaluated, most of whom were males (57.1%). Craniopharyngioma (n = 9, 25.7%) was the most common brain tumor, followed by astrocytoma (n = 5, 14.2%) and medulloblastoma (n = 4, 11.4%). Management included surgical resection in 28.5% of patients, chemotherapy (28.6%), radiotherapy (17.1%) and palliative care (20.0%). Over the last five years, there were increasing trends in the number of cases discussed in the multidisciplinary team and the number for whom the multidisciplinary management decisions were implemented. The majority (n = 18, 51.4%) of the children with brain tumors were alive and active in care, 34.2% abandoned treatment/lost to follow-up, and 8.6% died. The relative distribution of pediatric brain tumors types in Uganda Cancer Institute differs slightly from international reports, and there has been a notable increase in the number of cases over the years. Implementing multidisciplinary management decisions benefited patients and decreased abandonment and patient loss to follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Nyeko
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | | | - Racheal Angom
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Solomon Kibudde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fadhil Geriga
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jaques van Heerden
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aristizabal P, Burns LP, Kumar NV, Perdomo BP, Rivera-Gomez R, Ornelas MA, Gonda D, Malicki D, Thornburg CD, Roberts W, Levy ML, Crawford JR. Improving Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Survival Disparities in the United States-Mexico Border Region: A Cross-Border Initiative Between San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 6:1791-1802. [PMID: 33216645 PMCID: PMC7713516 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment of children with CNS tumors (CNSTs) demands a complex, interdisciplinary approach that is rarely available in low- and middle-income countries. We established the Cross-Border Neuro-Oncology Program (CBNP) between Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego (RCHSD), and Hospital General, Tijuana (HGT), Mexico, to provide access to neuro-oncology care, including neurosurgic services, for children with CNSTs diagnosed at HGT. Our purpose was to assess the feasibility of the CBNP across the United States-Mexico border and improve survival for children with CNSTs at HGT by implementing the CBNP. PATIENTS AND METHODS We prospectively assessed clinicopathologic profiles, the extent of resection, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS) in children with CNSTs at HGT from 2010 to 2017. RESULTS Sixty patients with CNSTs participated in the CBNP during the study period. The most common diagnoses were low-grade glioma (24.5%) and medulloblastoma (22.4%). Of patients who were eligible for surgery, 49 underwent resection at RCHSD and returned to HGT for collaborative management. Gross total resection was achieved in 78% of cases at RCHSD compared with 0% at HGT (P < .001) and was a predictor of 5-year OS (hazard ratio, 0.250; 95% CI, 0.067 to 0.934; P = .024). Five-year OS improved from 0% before 2010 to 52% in 2017. CONCLUSION The CBNP facilitated access to complex neuro-oncology care for underserved children in Mexico through binational exchanges of resources and expertise. Survival for patients in the CBNP dramatically improved. Gross total resection at RCHSD was associated with higher OS, highlighting the critical role of experienced neurosurgeons in the treatment of CNSTs. The CBNP model offers an attractive alternative for children with CNSTs in low- and middle-income countries who require complex neuro-oncology care, particularly those in close proximity to institutions in high-income countries with extensive neuro-oncology expertise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Aristizabal
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Population Sciences, Disparities and Community Engagement, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Luke P Burns
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Nikhil V Kumar
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Bianca P Perdomo
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Rebeca Rivera-Gomez
- Hospital General de Tijuana/Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Mario A Ornelas
- Hospital General de Tijuana/Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - David Gonda
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Denise Malicki
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Courtney D Thornburg
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - William Roberts
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Michael L Levy
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - John R Crawford
- Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Servadei F, Tropeano MP, Spaggiari R, Cannizzaro D, Al Fauzi A, Bajamal AH, Khan T, Kolias AG, Hutchinson PJ. Footprint of Reports From Low- and Low- to Middle-Income Countries in the Neurosurgical Data: A Study From 2015 to 2017. World Neurosurg 2019; 130:e822-e830. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.06.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|