Factors associated with abandonment of therapy by children diagnosed with solid tumors in Peru

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Global Health
• Cancer Epidemiology

Background:

• Treatment abandonment is a critical factor in cancer treatment failure and survival, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
• The incidence and associated factors of treatment abandonment in pediatric solid tumors in Peru were previously unreported.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding treatment abandonment in Peruvian pediatric cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of treatment abandonment among pediatric patients with solid tumors in Peru.
• To identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with treatment abandonment.
• To provide evidence for developing strategies to reduce treatment abandonment and improve outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of sociodemographic and clinical data for children with solid tumors referred between 2012 and 2014.
• Utilized the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, Paediatric Oncology in Developing Countries, Abandonment of Treatment recommendation for defining abandonment.
• Employed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify predictive factors.

Main Results:

• A total of 1135 children were analyzed, with 18.4% abandoning treatment.
• Higher abandonment rates were observed in children from rural settings and those with unemployed parents.
• Retinoblastoma diagnosis was also associated with increased abandonment risk.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of treatment abandonment for solid tumors in Peruvian children is substantial.
• Sociodemographic factors, including rural origin and parental employment status, are key predictors of abandonment.
• Interventions targeting these factors are crucial for improving treatment adherence and outcomes in pediatric cancer patients in Peru.