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Review
. 2012 May 31;119(22):5078-87.
doi: 10.1182/blood-2012-02-387092. Epub 2012 Mar 28.

Meeting the challenge of hematologic malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa

Satish Gopal  1 , William A Wood, Stephanie J Lee, Thomas C Shea, Kikkeri N Naresh, Peter N Kazembe, Corey Casper, Peter B Hesseling, Ronald T Mitsuyasu
Affiliations
Review

Meeting the challenge of hematologic malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa

Satish Gopal et al. Blood. .

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death and disability in sub-Saharan Africa and will eclipse infectious diseases within the next several decades if current trends continue. Hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, account for nearly 10% of the overall cancer burden in the region, and the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma is rapidly increasing as a result of HIV. Despite an increasing burden, mechanisms for diagnosing, treating, and palliating malignant hematologic disorders are inadequate. In this review, we describe the scope of the problem, including the impact of endemic infections, such as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, malaria, and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. We additionally describe current limitations in hematopathology, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and supportive care and palliation. We review contemporary treatment and outcomes of hematologic malignancies in the region and outline a clinical service and research agenda, which builds on recent global health successes combating HIV and other infectious diseases. Achieving similar progress against hematologic cancers in sub-Saharan Africa will require the sustained collaboration and advocacy of the entire global cancer community.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of radiotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A conceptual framework to improve survival among patients with hematologic malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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