Acute and Chronic Leukemia in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Allwell A Ayirebi1,2,3, Stephen Twumasi1,4,5, Linda K Olaga6
1Allwell Cancer Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana.
Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.)
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Acute leukemias, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), are more common in sub-Saharan Africa than chronic types. Outcomes remain poor due to high mortality and lost follow-up, indicating a need for better healthcare systems.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Leukemia comprises four main subtypes: chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- Regional variations and subtype prevalence of leukemia in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review of leukemia prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa.
- To analyze treatment outcomes, follow-up duration, and survival rates for leukemia patients in SSA.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of acute and chronic leukemia studies in SSA was performed.
- Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and African Journals Online (AJOL).
- Publications from 1975 to July 2025 were included, with 32 studies and 2537 cases analyzed.
Main Results:
- Acute leukemias (64.80%) were more prevalent than chronic leukemias (35.20%).
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was the most frequent subtype (37.33%), followed by chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (28.38%).
- Survival rates varied widely (2 weeks to 5 years), with high mortality (10.76%) and significant loss to follow-up (59 patients).
Conclusions:
- Acute leukemias, especially AML, dominate the leukemia landscape in SSA.
- Overall leukemia outcomes in SSA are poor, marked by high mortality and substantial patient attrition.
- Urgent improvements in diagnostic capabilities, standardized treatments, and patient follow-up systems are crucial for enhancing leukemia care in the region.
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