A survival analysis of paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients at the Moroccan University Hospital Centre of Rabat
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Updated: Jan 22, 2026
In Ovo Xenografting of Patient-Derived Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Cells (PDX-ALL)
Published on: August 1, 2025
Bennani Mechita Nada1,2,3, Messaoud Sara1,2, Elboukhari Elmamoun Yousra4
1Laboratory of Community Health, Preventive Medicine, and Hygiene, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Insights
Moroccan children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) show promising survival rates, exceeding the WHO target. Further improvements in diagnosis and treatment are needed to reach the national goal of 80% survival.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is a leading cause of childhood cancer mortality globally.
- Morocco aims to increase pediatric cancer survival rates to 60% by 2030 through the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate survival rates and identify prognostic factors for pediatric ALL patients in Morocco.
- To assess outcomes based on the MARALL 2006 protocol at University Hospital Centre Ibn Sina, Rabat.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study of 512 pediatric ALL patients diagnosed between June 2006 and December 2017.
- Data collected included sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic information.
- Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine survival rates and prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- 56.2% achieved complete remission; 20.9% relapsed.
- 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 83%, 67%, and 63%, respectively.
- Prognostic factors for survival included age (≥10 years), white blood cell count (>50,000/mm³), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. Standard risk and B-cell immunophenotype correlated with better outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric ALL survival rates in Morocco are encouraging, surpassing the WHO target.
- Achieving the national goal of 80% survival necessitates enhanced early diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and advanced therapeutic strategies.
Introduction:
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood leukaemia and a significant cause of paediatric mortality worldwide. Morocco, as part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, aims to achieve a 60% survival rate for paediatric cancers by 2030.
Objective:
This study evaluates survival rates and prognostic factors for paediatric ALL patients treated according to the MARALL 2006 protocol at the University Hospital Centre Ibn Sina in Rabat, Morocco.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study analysed data from 512 children diagnosed with ALL between June 2006 and December 2017. Sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses identified survival rates and prognostic factors.
Results:
Among the patients, 56.2% achieved complete remission after first-line treatment and 20.9% experienced relapse. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 83%, 67% and 63%, respectively. Significant prognostic factors included age ≥10 years, white blood cell count >50,000/mm3 and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. Standard risk classification and B-cell immunophenotype were associated with better survival outcomes.
Conclusion:
This study highlights encouraging survival rates for paediatric ALL patients in Morocco, exceeding the WHO target of 60%. However, achieving the national goal of 80% survival requires further improvements in early diagnosis, treatment access and adoption of advanced therapies.
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