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Clinical presentation and diagnosis of adult patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Author(s) -
Mezger Nikolaus C. S.,
Feuchtner Jana,
Griesel Mirko,
Hämmerl Lucia,
Seraphin Tobias P.,
Zietsman Annelle,
Péko JeanFélix,
Tadesse Fisihatsion,
Buziba Nathan G.,
Wabinga Henry,
Nyanchama Mary,
Borok Margaret Z.,
Kéita Mamadou,
N'da Guy,
Lorenzoni Cesaltina F.,
AkeleAkpo MarieThérèse,
Gottschick Cornelia,
Binder Mascha,
Mezger Jörg,
Jemal Ahmedin,
Parkin Donald M.,
Wickenhauser Claudia,
Kantelhardt Eva J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.16575
Subject(s) - medicine , lymphoma , guideline , stage (stratigraphy) , cancer , population , hematology , hodgkin lymphoma , non hodgkin's lymphoma , oncology , pathology , environmental health , paleontology , biology
Summary Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the sixth most common cancer in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Comprehensive diagnostics of NHL are essential for effective treatment. Our objective was to assess the frequency of NHL subtypes, disease stage and further diagnostic aspects. Eleven population‐based cancer registries in 10 countries participated in our observational study. A random sample of 516 patients was included. Histological confirmation of NHL was available for 76.2% and cytological confirmation for another 17.3%. NHL subclassification was determined in 42.1%. Of these, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and Burkitt lymphoma were the most common subtypes identified (48.8%, 18.4% and 6.0%, respectively). We traced 293 patients, for whom recorded data were amended using clinical records. For these, information on stage, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) was available for 60.8%, 52.6% and 45.1%, respectively. Stage at diagnosis was advanced for 130 of 178 (73.0%) patients, HIV status was positive for 97 of 154 (63.0%) and ECOG PS was ≥2 for 81 of 132 (61.4%). Knowledge about NHL subclassification and baseline clinical characteristics is crucial for guideline‐recommended treatment. Hence, regionally adapted investments in pathological capacity, as well as standardised clinical diagnostics, will significantly improve the therapeutic precision for NHL in SSA.