loading page

Adherence to the Treatment of Retinoblastoma in the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo: A retroprospective cohort study
  • +8
  • Robert Lukamba,
  • Aléine Budiongo,
  • Ben Bondo Monga,
  • Jean-Jacques Atteby,
  • Pierre Bey,
  • Gabrielle Borasisi Chenge,
  • Laurence Desjardins,
  • Francois Doz,
  • Albert Tambwe Mwembo,
  • Théophille Amani Kabesha,
  • Oscar Numbi Luboya
Robert Lukamba
Universite de Lubumbashi Faculte de Medecine

Corresponding Author:robert.lukamba@gfaop.org

Author Profile
Aléine Budiongo
Universite de Kinshasa
Author Profile
Ben Bondo Monga
Universite de Lubumbashi Faculte de Medecine
Author Profile
Jean-Jacques Atteby
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville
Author Profile
Pierre Bey
Universite de Lorraine IUT Nancy-Charlemagne
Author Profile
Gabrielle Borasisi Chenge
Universite de Lubumbashi Faculte de Medecine
Author Profile
Laurence Desjardins
Institut Curie Departement d'Oncologie Medicale
Author Profile
Francois Doz
Universite Sorbonne Paris Cite
Author Profile
Albert Tambwe Mwembo
Universite de Lubumbashi Faculte de Medecine
Author Profile
Théophille Amani Kabesha
Universite Officielle de Bukavu
Author Profile
Oscar Numbi Luboya
Universite de Lubumbashi Faculte de Medecine
Author Profile

Abstract

Background: In high income countries, retinoblastoma is curable in more than 95% of cases, whereas in low-income countries, mortality remains high, especially when the diagnosis is made late or the treatment is discontinued. The aim of this work was to determine the factors associated with adherence to the treatment of retinoblastoma in the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Procedure: A retroprospective cohort study was carried out. Data were collected from patient folders and follow-up records of parents. Results: A total of 175 children with retinoblastoma were registered from January 2013 to December 2015. Seventy-six children (43%) were 5 years old and above. Care costs were covered by families in 86.9% of cases. Chemotherapy refusal was recorded in 39 cases (22.3%), and enucleation refusal was recorded in 79 cases (45.1%). After 36 months of follow-up, we recorded 16.6% deaths, 27.4% treatment dropouts, and 18.3% loss to follow-up after treatment. The commonest cause for enucleation refusal was fear of infirmity, while chemotherapy refusal and absconding treatment were due to financial constraints. Conclusion: Poor adherence to retinoblastoma management was due to financial constraints, and a lack of knowledge of the disease and its treatment. Family psychosocial support is needed to improve this condition.
27 Jun 2023Submitted to Cancer Reports
29 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
29 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
04 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
02 Aug 20231st Revision Received
08 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
08 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
08 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
30 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Accept