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Review
. 2018 Oct 23;5(11):143.
doi: 10.3390/children5110143.

Pediatric Solid Tumors in Resource-Constrained Settings: A Review of Available Evidence on Management, Outcomes, and Barriers to Care

Nicholas H Carter  1 , Andrew H Avery  2 , Jaime Libes  3 , Harold N Lovvorn 3rd  4 , Erik N Hansen  5   6
Affiliations
Review

Pediatric Solid Tumors in Resource-Constrained Settings: A Review of Available Evidence on Management, Outcomes, and Barriers to Care

Nicholas H Carter et al. Children (Basel). .

Abstract

International disparities in outcomes from pediatric solid tumors remain striking. Herein, we review the current literature regarding management, outcomes, and barriers to care for pediatric solid tumors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In sub-Saharan Africa, Wilms Tumor represents the most commonly encountered solid tumor of childhood and has been the primary target of recent efforts to improve outcomes in low-resource settings. Aggressive and treatment-resistant tumor biology may play a role in poor outcomes within certain populations, but socioeconomic barriers remain the principal drivers of preventable mortality. Management protocols that include measures to address socioeconomic barriers have demonstrated early success in reducing abandonment of therapy. Further work is required to improve infrastructure and general pediatric care to address disparities.

Keywords: Wilms Tumor; barriers to care; disparities; low and middle-income countries (LMICs); pediatric solid tumor.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure A1
Figure A1
(A) Preoperative abdominal mass in a toddler; (B) isolation of Wilms Tumor; (C) dissection of Wilms Tumor; (D) surgical specimen; (E) intraoperative abdominal mass in a toddler.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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