Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in low and middle-income countries: disease characteristics and treatment results

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer. The cure rate of this disease is over 80% in developed countries utilizing protocols with very tolerable toxicity. Several factors contributed to this success, including the implementation of large collaborative clinical trials and the better understanding of disease biology allowing for risk-stratified treatment. We will review the current state of the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in low-income and medium-income countries.

The picture differs from country to country, but recent advances have been made in many countries and the cure rates have improved significantly. Tackling problems such as access to care, abandonment of treatment and toxicity of protocols and the development of centers of excellence are critical for continued improvement. Twinning with programs in developed countries and the creation of regional collaborative groups will allow the implementation of risk-directed therapy and better supportive care.

The experience in low-income countries shows that a structured approach to the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia results in improved survival.