Changing the World for Children with Cancer
Tezer Kutluk, MD, PhD, FAAP
Associate Editor, ecancer
Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine and Cancer Institute, Hacettepe Oncology Hospital, 01600 Ankara, Turkey;
Corresponding author: Tezer Kutluk Email: tezerkutluk@gmail.com
In the last few decades, we have witnessed significant advancements in the treatment of childhood cancer. Survival rates have soared to over 80% in high-income countries. However, progress remains uneven, with survival rates as low as 10-20% in certain low and middle-income regions. While scientific breakthroughs have revolutionized childhood cancer treatment, a significant barrier remains: the accessibility to cutting-edge diagnostics and contemporary therapies across much of the world.
Ecancer has published four insightful papers from experts in the field of childhood cancer. These papers encompass various facets of pediatric oncology, ranging from an analysis of childhood cancer in a middle-income country to the financial dimensions of pediatric cancer care in a low-income country. One paper highlights the current situation of childhood cancer in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Additionally, the esteemed organization SIOP has offered valuable perspectives on the advancements in childhood cancer care, encapsulating their global impact.
Bolous et al. [1] conducted a study on the cost and cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in Haiti, a low-income nation. The purpose was to assist in investment prioritization and support national cancer control planning. The study found that operating a pediatric oncology unit in Haiti costs approximately $803,184 annually, or $10,854 per patient, with the cost per Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) averted at $1,128—equivalent to 76% of the nation's GDP per capita. These findings underscore the cost-effectiveness of treating childhood cancer in resource-limited settings, providing valuable data for investors and policymakers engaged in pediatric cancer control strategies.
Soliman et al. [2] delivered a narrative review on the state of childhood cancer care in Egypt, which faces a high incidence of the disease as a lower-middle-income country with scarce resources. The paper sheds light on the disease burden, health outcomes, treatment methods, resource allocation, and the cost-effectiveness of treatments, along with the challenges and factors influencing care. Highlighting the achievements of CCHE, a major pediatric cancer center in Egypt, the paper discusses the improved survival rates and cost-effectiveness, providing fifteen recommendations for stakeholders to advance cancer care in Egypt, which will be useful for similar countries.
Siddiqui and Belgaumi [3] reviewed the current state of cancer care and the challenges faced within the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). This region exhibits a vast diversity in economic development, which is reflected in the heterogeneity of cancer care across different areas. The disparities are further compounded by ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the presence of a significant expatriate population in wealthier nations. These factors contribute to a unique set of circumstances in cancer care provision. However, regional and international collaboration offers a beacon of hope. Despite the strides that have been made, there is still considerable work required in the EMR. The article comprehensively addresses the various facets of pediatric cancer care in the region and serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers and stakeholders.
The article by Challinor and current SIOP leaders [4] encapsulates SIOP's influence over the past half-century as a key international entity in childhood cancer care. With a unique structure that encompasses 128 countries, of which 39% are low and middle-income countries (LMICs), SIOP's collaborative efforts with partners like CCI, PROS, and IPSO; its multidisciplinary framework; and various programs such as world congresses have significantly bolstered research capacity, targeted disparities, and contributed to pediatric cancer control through a robust global health network.
The global disparity in pediatric cancer care remains a pressing concern. This is the impetus behind the WHO's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to raise the survival rate of pediatric cancer to 60% by 2030. The research featured in this issue not only highlights the cost-effectiveness of pediatric cancer care but also showcases the potential of regional and international collaboration, offering a golden opportunity for stakeholders and the pediatric oncology community to make substantial progress.
References
1. Nancy S. Bolous, Peter Mercredi, Miguel Bonilla, Paola Friedrich, Nickhill Bhakta, Monika L. Metzger, Pascale Y. Gassant. (2024) Determining the cost and cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in Haiti ecancer 18 1675
2. Ranin Soliman, Nancy Bolous, Carl Heneghan, Jason Oke, Anne-Marie Boylan, Wael Eweida, Sherif Abouelnaga, Alaa Elhaddad. (2024) An overview of childhood cancer care and outcomes in Egypt: A narrative review. ecancer 18 1676
3. Arsalan Kabir Siddiqui, Asim Fakhruddin Belgaumi. (2024) Paediatric oncology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR): The current state and challenges. ecancer 18 1677
4. Julia Challinor, Alan Davidson, Guillermo Chantada, Rejin Kebudi, Kathy Pritchard-Jones. (2024) The Role of International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) in advancing global childhood cancer care. ecancer 18 1678
