Diagnosis and treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Latin America

Abstract

Objective: to discuss the status and challenges associated with the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Latin America.

Methods: This review summarizes various insights gained from information regarding diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies in adult patients with ALL in Latin American Countries.

Results: Information regarding ALL in Latin America is scarce; however, many efforts have been made to overcomes these barriers. Nevertheless, major obstacles to successful treatment in Latin America and LMIC remain poor adherence, abandonment of treatment, and lack of supportive therapy and new therapeutic agents.

Conclusion: Further improvements in survival should be pursued by developing more Latin American registries, forming cooperative groups, developing educational models to facilitate earlier diagnosis and prevention of complications, better support therapy and management of infections, and adapting treatment strategies.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Latin America; middle-income-country; therapeutics.