Advances in Pediatric Oncology- a Five-Year Nation-Wide Survival follow-up at Children’s Cancer Hospital in Egypt

Abstract

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Childhood cancers are a major healthcare concern in Egypt and the Arab World. Consequently, it is a substantial financial and healthcare burden as the survival rate is appreciated to less than 30% while the treatment options are stagnant in progress. The Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt has adopted the Western protocols since 2007, which gives new means to improve cancer survival and care. METHOD(S): This study was undertaken to estimate the proportion of children with cancer in Egypt seen at the Children's Cancer Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Moreover, the study was designed to investigate possible predictors of mortality. We administered two questionnaires, one at the start of chemotherapy and one at the third chemotherapy, to 304 parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer. The survival rate was calculated 5 years after the study was conducted. RESULT(S): Among the 304 children diagnosed with cancer at the Children's Cancer Hospital, 274 children were followed up 5 years after data collection, and we found that 58% (n=176) had survived with an additional 10% lost to follow-up. The only statistically significant difference found between the group that survived and the group that did not survive in relation to numerous psychosocial and demographic factors was mother's level of education with a p-value 0.02. CONCLUSION(S): The observed survival rate of the children in our group is 58%, with an addition of 10% lost to follow-up. This is an increase as compared to official statistics for earlier years. A progress in childhood cancer survival is clearly noted, which we consider brings childhood cancer treatment in Egypt and the Arab World to a new standard not previously obtained. Research Implications: This is important data as it indicates a significant raise in childhood survival in Egypt, compared to the official statistics. This information may be relevant for researchers to keep monitoring and conducting additional research in this area and, not least, promote the importance of information to parents/caregivers. Practice Implications: A continued monitoring is required to maintain, assure and advance the quality and to insure continuity. Additional monitoring of the survival follow-up is essential to perhaps be able to assure a raise in survival. Also, being aware of the importance of information to the parents/caregivers.