1
|
Colunga-Pedraza JE, Lopez-Reyna IG, Vaquera-Aparicio DN, Peña-Lozano SP, Arrieta J, Hernández-Torres LE, Colunga-Pedraza PR, Regalado M, Jiménez-Antolinez YV, García-Rodríguez F, González-Llano O. Overcoming challenges to reduce time to antibiotic therapy in febrile neutropenic children: insights from a Mexican center. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2024:S2531-1379(24)00297-9. [PMID: 39209586 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2024.04.123] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing quality supportive therapy for children with cancer is essential to reduce the high mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries. Febrile neutropenia is the most common life-threatening complication of cancer in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the 'Golden Hour' intervention in reducing the time to administer antibiotics and its impact on clinical outcomes in a Mexican hospital. METHODS A comparative study of children with febrile neutropenia who attended the emergency department at the Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González" was performed between January 2017 and December 2022. In May 2019, this center joined the collaborative 'Mexico in Alliance with St. Jude' project. An adapted improvement program was developed based on the implementation of an algorithm comprising institutional guidance, supplies kit, standardization of sample processing, training of healthcare providers, and patient education. The time to antibiotic administration was compared with clinical outcomes between the historical control and post-intervention groups. RESULTS A total of 291 patients were included, 122 in the pre-intervention period and 169 in the intervention period. Only 5.7 % of the pre-intervention group received the first dose of antibiotics within 60 min of presenting to the emergency department compared to 84.6 % in the intervention group (p-value <0.000). The median times to antibiotic administration in the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods were 269.4 and 50.54 min, respectively (p-value <0.000). Clinical deterioration and admission to the pediatric intensive care unit decreased significantly from 6.6 % to 2.3 % (p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Sustainability of the quality improvement project 'Golden Hour' in low- to mid-income countries demonstrated high effectiveness in reducing time to antibiotic administration among children with febrile neutropenia and improved clinical outcomes over three years of implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Esther Colunga-Pedraza
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México
| | - Ingrid Gabriela Lopez-Reyna
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México
| | - Denisse Natalie Vaquera-Aparicio
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México
| | - Samantha Paulina Peña-Lozano
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México
| | | | - Lucía Elizabeth Hernández-Torres
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México
| | - Perla Rocío Colunga-Pedraza
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México
| | - Mónica Regalado
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México
| | | | | | - Oscar González-Llano
- Department of Hematology. Monterrey, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario ¨Dr. José Eleuterio González¨, México.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Escobedo-Melendez G, Paniagua-Padilla J, Caniza MA. Outcomes of Care-bundle Implementation for Children With Cancer and Suspected Bloodstream Infection in a Pediatric Oncology Unit in a Resource-limited Setting. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:e798-e809. [PMID: 37526415 PMCID: PMC10521769 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of mortality among pediatric oncology patients in resource-limited settings. Effective, innovative strategies are needed to improve care and survival. In a pediatric oncology unit in Mexico, we retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for mortality related to BSI and the results of using a care-bundle intervention. The care-bundle consisted of a swift clinical evaluation, initial fluid-resuscitation support, obtaining blood cultures, and administration of effective empirical antibiotic therapy for suspected BSI. The outcomes of patients who received the care-bundle during a 12-month period were compared with those of patients treated with standard care during the 12 months preceding its implementation. The primary outcomes were BSI diagnosis, choice of antibiotics, and mortality. Of the 261 suspected BSIs treated with standard care, 33 (12.6%) infections were confirmed, and of the 308 treated with the care-bundle, 67 (21.7%) BSIs were confirmed. Thus, after implementation of the care-bundle, significantly more BSIs were diagnosed ( P =0.004), and BSI-related mortality was significantly reduced by 22.2% ( P = 0.035). Surgical resection and mechanical ventilation support were independently associated with BSI-related mortality, and receiving effective initial empirical antibiotic therapy was protective against mortality (odds ratio, 0.013; 95% CI: 0.002-0.105; P =0.001), which comprising cefepime plus amikacin or meropenem in 44 (80.0%) of the cases alive. Consistent use of a care-bundle with initial fluid resuscitation, obtaining a blood culture, and administering effective antibiotics to children with cancer and suspected BSI can decrease mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Griselda Escobedo-Melendez
- Institute for Research in Childhood and Adolescence Cancer, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Jenny Paniagua-Padilla
- Institute for Research in Childhood and Adolescence Cancer, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Miguela A. Caniza
- Departments of Global Pediatric Medicine and Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ehrlich BS, McNeil MJ, Pham LTD, Chen Y, Rivera J, Acuna C, Sniderman L, Sakaan FM, Aceituno AM, Villegas CA, Force LM, Bolous NS, Wiphatphumiprates PP, Slone JS, Carrillo AK, Gillipelli SR, Duffy C, Arias AV, Devidas M, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Mukkada S, Agulnik A. Treatment-related mortality in children with cancer in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:967-977. [PMID: 37517410 PMCID: PMC10812862 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00318-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 90% of children with cancer live in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 5-year survival is lower than 20%. Treatment-related mortality in high-income countries is approximately 3-5%; however, in LMICs, treatment-related mortality has been reported in up to 45% of children with cancer. This study aimed to systematically explore the burden of treatment-related mortality in children with cancer in LMICs and to explore the association between country income level and treatment-related mortality. METHODS For this systematic review and meta-analysis we identified articles published between Jan 1, 2010, and June 22, 2021, describing treatment-related mortality in paediatric patients (aged 0-21 years) with cancer in LMICs. We searched PubMed, Trip, Web of Science, Embase, and the WHO Global Metric Index databases. The search was limited to full-text articles and excluded case reports (<10 patients) and haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients. Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data from included publications, and evaluated data quality. Random and mixed-effects models were used to estimate treatment-related mortality burden and trends. The Cochran-Q statistic was used to assess heterogeneity between studies. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021264849). FINDINGS Of 13 269 identified abstracts, 501 studies representing 68 351 paediatric patients with cancer were included. The treatment-related mortality estimate was 6·82% (95% CI 5·99-7·64), accounting for 30·9% of overall mortality (4437 of 14 358 deaths). Treatment-related mortality was inversely related to country income. Treatment-related mortality was 14·19% (95% CI 9·65-18·73) in low-income countries, 9·21% (7·93-10·49) in lower-middle-income countries, and 4·47% (3·42-5·53) in upper-middle-income countries (Cochran-Q 42·39, p<0·0001). In upper-middle-income countries, the incidence of treatment-related mortality decreased over time (slope -0·002, p=0·0028); however, outcomes remained unchanged in low-income (p=0·21) and lower-middle-income countries (p=0·16). INTERPRETATION Approximately one in 15 children receiving cancer treatment in LMICs die from treatment-related complications. Although treatment-related mortality has decreased in upper-middle-income countries over time, it remains unchanged in LMICs. There is an urgent need for targeted supportive care interventions to reduce global disparities in childhood cancer survival. FUNDING American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities and National Cancer Institute.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bella S Ehrlich
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael J McNeil
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Linh T D Pham
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yichen Chen
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jocelyn Rivera
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hospital Infantil Teletón de Oncología, Querétaro, México
| | - Carlos Acuna
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Dr Luis Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Liz Sniderman
- Northern Alberta Children's Cancer Program, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Firas M Sakaan
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alejandra Mendez Aceituno
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Cesar A Villegas
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lisa M Force
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nancy S Bolous
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Jeremy S Slone
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Angela K Carrillo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Caitlyn Duffy
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Anita V Arias
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Meenakshi Devidas
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Sheena Mukkada
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Asya Agulnik
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sullivan CE, Day SW, Ivankova N, Markaki A, Patrician PA, Landier W. Establishing nursing-sensitive quality indicators for pediatric oncology: An international mixed methods Delphi study. J Nurs Scholarsh 2023; 55:388-400. [PMID: 35790072 PMCID: PMC9946155 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nursing-sensitive indicators (NSIs) measure factors influencing nursing care quality and patient outcomes. Established NSIs reflect general and select specialty nursing practices. However, a core set of NSIs for international pediatric oncology nursing practice does not currently exist. Without valid and reliable quality indicators, the impact of nursing care on children and adolescents with cancer cannot be effectively measured and improved. The purpose of this study was to develop a preliminary core set of NSIs for international pediatric oncology nursing that would be important, actionable, and feasible to measure across varied resource settings and countries. DESIGN/METHODS A multiphase sequential mixed methods research design, intersected with a classical Delphi method, was utilized. Through purposive snowball sampling, 122 expert pediatric oncology nurses from 43 countries participated. Round One: Panelists identified five potential NSIs and constructs. Open-ended responses were coded and categorized through descriptive content analysis and integrated into the next round. Round Two: Panelists selected their top 10 NSIs and constructs and ranked them by importance to patient care quality. Mean importance scores were calculated through reverse scoring; the top 10 NSIs and constructs were integrated into the next round. Round Three: Panelists ranked the top 10 NSIs and constructs by order of importance for this particular population, then rated each NSI/Construct for actionability and feasibility of measurement by Likert-scale. Rounds Two and Three were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Mixed methods meta-inferences were derived from the integration of Rounds One and Three findings. RESULTS Eighty-five (70%) panelists from 38 countries completed all Delphi survey rounds. The preliminary core set of NSIs and constructs identified by the expert panel, and ranked in order of importance, were as follows: safe chemotherapy administration and handling, infection prevention/control, pediatric oncology nursing orientation program, early warning score system/recognition of patient deterioration, chemotherapy/biotherapy education/course, pain assessment/management, symptom assessment/management, patient and family education, palliative/end of life care, and continuing nursing education/competency. All NSIs and constructs were rated as actionable; all but palliative/end of life care were rated as feasible to measure. Each of the 10 NSIs and constructs were nominated in Round One by at least one expert panelist from low- and middle-income and high-income countries, and at least one panelist from the Americas. CONCLUSION Preliminary core NSIs and constructs provide insight into common attributes of international pediatric oncology nursing practice that are important, actionable, and feasible for quality measurement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE NSIs have the potential to drive quality improvement, guide comparison with other institutions, promote knowledge-sharing, and advance pediatric oncology nursing outcomes around the world. These NSIs and constructs may also be relevant to other pediatric and adult oncology settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E. Sullivan
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Sara W. Day
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | | | | | | | - Wendy Landier
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Israels T, Afungchwi GM, Klootwijk L, Njuguna F, Hesseling P, Kouya F, Paintsil V, Landman L, Chitsike I, Chagaluka G, Sung L, Molyneux E. Fever and neutropenia outcomes and areas for intervention: A report from SUCCOUR - Supportive Care for Children with Cancer in Africa. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29224. [PMID: 34245212 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Death during paediatric cancer treatment is common in sub-Saharan Africa. Using the infrastructure of Supportive Care for Children with Cancer in Africa (SUCCOUR), our objective was to describe fever and neutropenia (FN) characteristics and outcomes in order to identify potential areas for future intervention. METHODS A multicentre prospective, observational cohort study was conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Data were collected from September 2019 to March 2020. Children below 16 years with newly diagnosed cancer treated with curative intent were included. Data were abstracted in real time using standardised case report forms by trained personnel. Characteristics and outcomes of FN during the first 3 months of treatment were documented. RESULTS A total of 252 patients were included (median age 6.0, range 0.2-15.0 years, 54% male). The most common cancer was Burkitt lymphoma (63/252, 25%). Among 104 FN episodes, 21 (21%) were associated with prolonged neutropenia (>1 week) and 32 (31%) were associated with profound neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <0.1 × 109 /L). In 10/104 (10%) episodes, empiric antibiotics were started within 1 hour following fever onset and in 16/104 (15%) episodes, a blood culture was obtained before starting antibiotics. Malaria parasitaemia was detected in four of 104 (4%). A total of 11/104 (11%) patients died in the FN episodes. CONCLUSIONS Although in most, FN was not associated with prolonged or profound neutropenia, 11% resulted in death. Areas to target include blood cultures prior to antibiotics and earlier initiation of empiric antibiotics. Future efforts should modify FN practices to reduce treatment-related mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trijn Israels
- Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Larissa Klootwijk
- Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Festus Njuguna
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Peter Hesseling
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Francine Kouya
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Hospitals, Mutengene, Cameroon
| | - Vivian Paintsil
- Department of Child Health, Kumasi School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lisa Landman
- Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inam Chitsike
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - George Chagaluka
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology and Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Molyneux
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Melgar MA, Homsi MR, Happ B, Su Y, Tang L, Gonzalez ML, Caniza MA. Survey of practices for the clinical management of febrile neutropenia in children in hematology-oncology units in Latin America. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:7903-7911. [PMID: 34189607 PMCID: PMC8550596 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The management of febrile neutropenia (FN) in pediatrics is evolving. Our objective was to describe current practices for the care of patients with FN in pediatric oncology centers in Latin America and identify areas for practice improvement. We used an online survey to enroll eligible healthcare providers who treat children with cancer in Latin America. The survey addressed respondents’ characteristics, the environment of care, and FN care practices, including risk assessment, criteria for hospitalization, initial management of FN, evaluation, antibiotic administration, and discharge. From 220 surveys sent, we received 109 responses and selected 108 from 19 countries for analysis. Most (94%) respondents were working in specialized oncology centers, oncology units within a pediatric or general care hospital. The cohort included oncologists (42%) and infectious diseases physicians (30%). Most (67%) respondents had available guidelines; they used a risk-stratification scoring system (73%) for severe infection; and their guidelines had locally adapted risk stratification (34%) or published risk stratification (51%). The respondents used diverse FN definitions and concepts, including fever definitions, temperature-obtaining methods, neutropenia values for assigning risk, empiric antimicrobials administration, and length of hospitalization. Overall, we detected common practices aligning with standard published recommendations, as well as care variability. These findings can guide further evaluations of care resources and practices to prioritize interventions, and professional networks can be used for FN discussions and consensus in Latin America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Melgar
- Department of Pediatrics, Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Maysam R Homsi
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Brooke Happ
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Yin Su
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Miriam L Gonzalez
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Miguela A Caniza
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA. .,Health Science Center, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Iftikhar MS, Talha GM, Aleem M, Shamim A. Bioinformatics–computer programming. NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CANCER MANAGEMENT 2021:125-148. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818154-6.00009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
|
8
|
Maser B, Force LM, Friedrich P, Antillon F, Arora RS, Herrera CA, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Atun R, Denburg A. Paediatric Oncology System Integration Tool (POSIT) for the joint analysis of the performance of childhood cancer programs and health systems. J Cancer Policy 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2019.100208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
9
|
McGoldrick SM, Mutyaba I, Adams SV, Larsen A, Krantz EM, Namirembe C, Mooka P, Nabakooza S, Ndagire M, Mubiru K, Nabwana M, Nankinga R, Gerdts S, Gordon-Maclean C, Geriga F, Omoding A, Sessle E, Kambugu J, Uldrick TS, Orem J, Casper C. Survival of children with endemic Burkitt lymphoma in a prospective clinical care project in Uganda. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27813. [PMID: 31157502 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE "Endemic" Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a common childhood cancer in Africa. Social and treatment factors may contribute to poor survival. With the aim of improving BL outcomes in Uganda, we undertook a comprehensive project (BL Project) that provided diagnostic support, access to standard chemotherapy, nutritional evaluations, and case management. We evaluated survival of children with BL in the context of the project. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients followed by the BL Project who consented to research were enrolled in this study. Children with a pathology diagnosis consistent with BL were eligible. Data were collected prospectively. First-line chemotherapy generally consisted of six cycles of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, low-dose methotrexate (COM). We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to evaluate factors associated with overall survival (OS). RESULTS Between July 2012 and June 2017, 341 patients with suspected BL presented to the BL Project. One hundred eighty patients with a pathology-based diagnosis were included in this study. The median age was seven years (interquartile range, 5-9), 74% lived ≥100 km from the Uganda Cancer Institute, 61% had late-stage disease, 84% had ECOG performance status < 3, 63% reported B-symptoms, and 22% showed neurologic symptoms. Fewer than 10% abandoned therapy. The four-year OS rate was 44% (95% CI, 36%-53%). In a multivariate model, ECOG status was significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSION The BL Project reduced effects of lacking supportive care and oncology resources, and allowed patients from Uganda to receive curative intent therapy with minimal loss to follow-up. Nonetheless, OS remains unacceptably low. Improved therapeutic approaches to endemic BL are urgently needed in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Scott V Adams
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anna Larsen
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Peter Mooka
- Hutchinson Centre Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Kelvin Mubiru
- Hutchinson Centre Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Rose Nankinga
- Hutchinson Centre Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Gerdts
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Corey Casper
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, Infectious Disease Research Institute and the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|