Abstract 640: Precision cancer medicine in pediatric tumors for improved survival in African children

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Childhood cancers as a growing public health challenge and is increasingly being recognized worldwide, including the developing nations. Each year, the number of pediatric cancers recorded in Africa shows an increase trend with the small round blue cells of childhood been the most common. About 90 percent of children with pediatric solid tumors die either of the complications of the tumor, chemotherapy or financial burden. Since mutation rate in pediatric cancer is lower than adult cancers, with targetable mutations identified in less than 50% of cases, we believe that using precision cancer medicine and to some extent implementational science can help reduce this burden in Africa. Methods: Forty-six cases of pediatric cancer were reviewed over a five-year period (2016- 2020). Their case notes were retrieved and data on site, tumor type, mode of diagnosis, drugs given, complications, follow-up visits and financial implications were accessed. Data was analyzed using spss version 21. Results: Patients age ranges from 3months to 12 years with a male female ratio of 4:3. The commonest site of pediatric tumor was the jaw 12(26%), eye 7(15.2%) and upper extremities 5(10.9%). The commonest tumor type was Burkitt lymphoma, retinoblastoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, follicular lymphoma and nephroblastoma with rare types like synovial sarcoma and Ewing sarcoma also seen. Majority (70%) were diagnosed with routine H&E only with few diagnosed using immunohistochemistry. No FISH, CISH or NGS done on any of the tumors. Most patients (85%) received chemotherapy with the most common complication been tumor lysis syndrome. About 75% mortality was seen mainly due to complication of treatment. Conclusion: Childhood cancer is a big burden and has a dismal prognosis in our setting due to several factors. Incorporation of precision cancer medicine and implementation science can go a long way in improving pediatric cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Kasimu Umar Adoke, Yawale Iliyasu. Precision cancer medicine in pediatric tumors for improved survival in African children [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 640.