The challenge of long-term follow-up of survivors of childhood acute leukemia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in resource-limited countries: A single-center report from Brazil

Physical late effects of treatment among survivors of childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Physical late effects of treatment are well-documented among childhood cancer survivors in high-income countries, but whether prevalence and risk factors are comparable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review to assess physical late effect outcomes among childhood cancer survivors in LMICs.

METHODS

Five health sciences databases were searched from inception to November 2022 in all languages. We included observational studies conducted in LMICs that evaluated physical late effects of treatment in childhood cancer survivors. Mean or median cohort follow-up must have been ≥ 5 years from original cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

Sixteen full articles and five conference abstracts were included. Studies were conducted in lower-middle (n = 12, 57%) or upper-middle income (n = 9, 43%) countries; nearly half (n = 9, 43%) were conducted in India. Five cohorts (24%) were comprised entirely of 5-year survivors. Subsequent malignant neoplasms were reported in 0-11% of survivors (n = 10 studies). Hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome prevalence ranged from 2-49% (n = 4 studies) and 4-17% (n = 5 studies), respectively. Gonadal dysfunction ranged from 3-47% (n = 4 studies). Cardiac dysfunction ranged from 1-16% (n = 3 studies). Late effects of the musculoskeletal and urinary systems were least investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial knowledge gaps exist in LMIC childhood cancer survivorship. No low-income country data were found. In middle-income countries, late effects were defined and assessed variably and limited by selection bias and small sample sizes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Survivors in LMICs can experience physical late effects of treatment, though additionally systematically collected data from survivor cohorts are needed to fill knowledge gaps.

Childhood cancer survivorship in China: An overview of the past two decades

Across countries in the world, China has the largest population of childhood cancer survivors. Research and care for the childhood cancer survivor population in China is fragmented. We searched studies published in English or Chinese language between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2021, which examined various aspects of childhood cancer survivorship in China. The existing China-focused studies were largely based on a single institution, convenient samplings with relatively small sample sizes, restricted geographic areas, cross-sectional design, and focused on young survivors in their childhood or adolescence. These studies primarily focused on the physical late effects of cancer and its treatment, as well as the inferior psychological wellbeing among childhood cancer survivors, with few studies examining financial hardship, health promotion, and disease prevention, or healthcare delivery in survivorship. Our findings highlight the urgent need for research and evidence-based survivorship care to serve the childhood cancer survivor population in China.