TITLE:
Evaluation of the Treatment of Childhood Cancers after Five Years of Activity by the Oncology Unit in Bangui
AUTHORS:
Jess Elio Kosh Komba Palet, Carine Judith Kiteze Nguinzanemou, Simplice Cyriaque Kango, Baptistine Anguize, Rodrigue Romuald Elien Gagnan Yan Zaoutou, Marie Collecte Nganda Bangue, Daniel Ouaïmon, Eva Tapando Epouse Maka, Olivier B. Bogning, Marie Christine Awa Sepou Yanza, Valere Ndoma Ngatikpo, Jean Chrysostome Gody
KEYWORDS:
Diagnosis, Cancer, Children, Bangui
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
29,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: After five years of activity at the pediatric oncology unit in Bangui, with support from the Franco-African Pediatric Oncology Group (GFAOP), questions arise about the likelihood of diagnosing and treating cancer at this unit. The objective of this study was to assess the management of pediatric cancers at the CHUPB. Methodology: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection covering the period from January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2023, i.e., five years. All patients diagnosed with cancer during the period were included. Epidemiological factors, diagnostic methods, and progression were studied. Results: During the five years of activity of the oncology unit, 265 children were monitored for any tumor or hematological problems, among whom 216 cases were diagnosed with a strong suspicion of malignant tumors, 84 of which were confirmed as malignant and included in the study. The hospital admission rate in the UHOPB was 31.69% and the probability of establishing a cancer diagnosis among suspected cases was 38.88%. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.8, the average age was 7.7 years, with extremes of 2 and 15 years. Burkitt’s lymphoma was represented in 29.76% of cases, followed by retinoblastoma in 22.62%, ALL in 11.90%, and nephroblastoma in 9.52%. Cytopuncture and myelogram were the main paraclinical tests performed in the unit. In this series, 36.90% of children were lost to follow-up, 15.48% had died, and 7.14% had achieved complete remission. Death was linked to disease progression. Conclusion: The probability of cancer diagnosis at CHUPB remains low, with an unfavorable outcome for the majority of patients. What would be the situation by type of cancer?