Challenges in Management of Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (pCML) in the Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Insights from an International CML Foundation (iCMLf) Multi-National Survey

Abstract

Despite being a rare disease, high-income countries (HICs) have formulated guidelines for management of pediatric CML (pCML). We conducted a survey amongst 24 physicians from 22 Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) to gather information regarding their practice and experience in treating children with pCML. Rarity of pCML, lack of adequate expertise, and setting-adapted guidelines along with limitations in diagnostic infrastructure as well as challenges in accessing tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were identified as major barriers in optimum management of patients. For the first time in literature, our findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges faced in managing pCML in LMICs.