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IMPROVED SURVIVAL FOR CHILDHOOD ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA IN A LOW MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRY: REDUCTION IN ABANDONMENT and relapse
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  • George Bogonko,
  • Festus Njuguna,
  • Fredrick Odongo,
  • GILBERT OLBARA,
  • Sandra Langat,
  • Martha Kipng'etich,
  • Dennis Njenga,
  • Saskia Mostert,
  • Gertjan Kaspers,
  • Terry Vik
George Bogonko
Moi University

Corresponding Author:gbogonko80@gmail.com

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Festus Njuguna
Moi University
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Fredrick Odongo
Moi University
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GILBERT OLBARA
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
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Sandra Langat
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
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Martha Kipng'etich
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
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Dennis Njenga
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
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Saskia Mostert
Emma Kinderziekenhuis Amsterdam UMC
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Gertjan Kaspers
Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie
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Terry Vik
Indiana University Department of Pediatrics
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Abstract

Background: In our earlier published outcomes of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya (MTRH), we showed low event-free survival (EFS) with high induction mortality and abandonment. Based on this observation, the team focused on strategies to reduce both causes of poor outcomes. Intervention: We dropped doxorubicin from induction therapy as the supply of L-asparaginase became reliable, improved social and financial support for insurance coverage and transportation, promptly initiated empirical antibiotics during episodes of febrile neutropenia, and enhanced the availability of blood products. Objective: Our study compared childhood ALL outcomes before (2010-2016) and after (2017-2020) modification of induction therapy, with improved social and financial support and supportive care. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 123 children with ALL between 2017 to 2020. Their treatment results were collected and compared to those of 136 children before the (2010-2016) modification of induction therapy, with improved social and financial support. Results: Three-year EFS estimates improved from 18.2% to 40.7%. Relapse or progressive disease decreased from 26% to 16%, and abandonment from 24% to 14%. Deaths and survival through induction did not change significantly between the two periods. Children between 1-9 years and those with white blood cell (WBC) count <50x10 9/L had better EFS. Conclusions: Treatment abandonment and relapse decreased, and EFS increased significantly. However, strategies to improve early diagnosis and supportive care are needed to reduce induction mortality. In addition, enhanced parental education and continuous counseling are required to minimize treatment abandonment further.