An AIIMS New Delhi-led review has compiled three decades of childhood cancer survival data in India, offering policymakers a consolidated view of outcomes for major childhood cancers. The study, published in JCO Global Oncology, involved screening 6,802 articles and analyzing 182 studies covering 22,886 children from various treatment centers across the country. The findings aim to assist policymakers in identifying gaps and enhancing accountability in the battle against childhood cancer.
The research, spearheaded by Sameer Bakhshi and colleagues at AIIMS New Delhi in collaboration with CanKids…KidsCan, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, emphasizes the need for improved cancer registries, collaborative research, and standardized outcome reporting in India. The study revealed varying survival rates across different childhood cancers, with notable figures such as 67.1% for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 93.1% for Hodgkin lymphoma, 76.8% for retinoblastoma, and 78.8% for Wilms tumor.
The report also highlighted specific survival estimates for various cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, medulloblastoma, and Ewing sarcoma. Poonam Bagai, Founder-Chairman of CanKids, stressed the importance of these findings in aligning with global initiatives for childhood cancer care and universal health coverage. The ultimate goal is to translate governmental and organizational efforts into improved survival rates for children battling cancer.
Vinod Paul, former Member (Health) at NITI Aayog, commended the study for providing a crucial evidence base for childhood cancer survival in India. He emphasized the significance of a patient-centered healthcare system that not only ensures access to treatment but also focuses on continuity of care and long-term survival. The study’s authors, including Sameer Bakhshi, highlighted the significance of this comprehensive review in establishing a foundational understanding of childhood cancer survival in India and identifying key areas for further research and improvement.
