Guideline Concordance of Treatment and Outcomes Among Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multinational, Population-Based Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the 6th most common malignancy in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), little is known about its management and outcome. Herein, we examined treatment patterns and survival among NHL patients. METHODS: We obtained a random sample of adult patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2015 from 11 population-based cancer registries in 10 SSA countries. Descriptive statistics for lymphoma-directed therapy (LDT) and degree of concordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines were calculated, and survival rates were estimated. FINDINGS: Of 516 patients included in the study, sub-classification was available for 42.1% (121 high-grade and 64 low-grade B-cell lymphoma, 15 T-cell lymphoma and 17 otherwise sub-classified NHL), whilst the remaining 57.9% were unclassified. Any LDT was identified for 195 of all patients (37.8%). NCCN guideline-recommended treatment was initiated in 21 patients. This corresponds to 4.1% of all 516 patients, and to 11.7% of 180 patients with sub-classified B-cell lymphoma and NCCN guidelines available. Deviations from guideline-recommended treatment were initiated in another 49 (9.5% of 516, 27.2% of 180). By registry, the proportion of all patients receiving guideline-concordant LDT ranged from 30.8% in Namibia to 0% in Maputo and Bamako. Concordance with treatment recommendations was not assessable in 75.1% of patients (records not traced (43.2%), traced but no sub-classification identified (27.8%), traced but no guidelines available (4.1%)). By registry, diagnostic work-up was in part importantly limited, thus impeding guideline evaluation significantly. Overall 1-year survival was 61.2% (95%CI 55.3%-67.1%). Poor ECOG performance status, advanced stage, less than 5 cycles and absence of chemo (immuno-) therapy were associated with unfavorable survival, while HIV status, age, and gender did not impact survival. In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, initiation of guideline-concordant treatment was associated with favorable survival. INTERPRETATION: This study shows that a majority of NHL patients in SSA are untreated or undertreated, resulting in unfavorable survival. Investments in enhanced diagnostic services, provision of chemo(immuno-)therapy and supportive care will likely improve outcomes in the region.

Use of Herbal Medicine Is Associated With Late-Stage Presentation in Tanzanian Patients With Cancer: A Survey to Assess the Utilization of and Reasons for the Use of Herbal Medicine.

PURPOSE: In Tanzania, patients with cancer present late with advanced stages. Among other reasons, the use of herbal medicine (HM) might contribute to delay in diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to understand the utilization of HM and the reasons for its' use. METHODS: A semistructured 30-item questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions was applied to a cohort of patients with cancer at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Content analysis was performed for answers to open-ended questions. RESULTS: Three hundred two patients were interviewed, 50.9% males and 49.1% females. The mean age was 64 years. 71.6% were in stages III/IV. 70.5% patients used HM and 67.1% started conventional medicine after stopping HM, 7.5% started HM after conventional medicine, and 24.9% combined both. Stage IV patients used HM as first line significantly more often in comparison: stage I 55.6%; II 58.1%; III 57.2%; and IV 70.6%. 77.5% did not tell their doctors about the use of HM. Commonest reasons to use HM were belief in cure, hope of symptom relief, lack of cancer services, and tradition. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients used HM before consulting a doctor, which contributes to stage IV presentation. Use of HM alongside with chemotherapy is mostly not known to the treating physician and may lead to interactions. These findings must alert health care workers and health policymakers to further foster health education about cancer and its treatment. Further research is needed to understand the wide use of HM among Tanzanian patients with cancer and the role that traditional and spiritual healers play in the field of cancer care.

Hematological malignancies in East Africa-Which cancers to expect and how to provide services.

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has an increasing non-communicable disease burden. Tanzania has an incidence of more than 35,000 cancer cases per year with an 80% mortality rate. Hematological malignancies account for 10% of these cases. The numbers will double within the next 10 years due to demographic changes, better diagnostic capabilities and life style changes. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre established a Cancer Care Centre (CCC) in December 2016 for a catchment area of 15 million people in Northern Tanzania. This article aims to display the hematological diagnosis and characteristics of the patients as well as to describe the advancements of hematologic services in a low resource setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of all hematological malignancies at CCC from December 2016 to May 2019 was performed and a narrative report provides information about diagnostic means, treatment and the use of synergies. RESULTS: A total of 209 cases have been documented, the most common malignancies were NHL and MM with 44% and 20%. 36% of NHL cases, 16% of MM cases and 63% of CML cases were seen in patients under the age of 45. When subcategorized, CLL/SLL cases had a median age was 56.5, 51 years for those with other entities of NHL. Sexes were almost equally balanced in all NHL groups while clear male predominance was found in HL and CML. DISCUSSION: Malignancies occur at a younger age and higher stages than in Western countries. It can be assumed that infections play a key role herein. Closing the gap of hematologic services in SSA can be achieved by adapting and reshaping existing infrastructure and partnering with international organizations.