Paediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma in low and middle income countries

Abstract

Great advances have been made in the treatment of paediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In high-income countries (HIC), cure rates now exceed 85%. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), cure rates remain less than 50%. It is estimated that over 90% of paediatric NHL worldwide occur in LMIC; therefore, even modest improvements in outcome would have significant impact in reducing the burden of paediatric NHL globally. This article will discuss some of the issues required to improve the outcome of paediatric NHL in LMIC using data presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma held in Varese, Italy, 2015 to illustrate these issues. Additionally, potential bi-directional benefits for patients in both LMIC and HIC from future collaborations will be discussed.