Work

Disparities in pediatric oncology access and outcomes in the occupied Palestinian territories: a retrospective study from Augusta Victoria Hospital

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Childhood cancer survival rates are lower in low- and middle-income countries, with additional challenges in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) due to political instability. This study reports outcomes of children treated at Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH), the only dedicated cancer center in the OPT. Methods: A retrospective chart review analyzing diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric oncology patients admitted to AVH between January 2018 and June 2024. Findings: < 0.0001). Gaza patients had the lowest OS (64.47%) and EFS (38.18%), compared to the West Bank (OS: 81.69%, EFS: 70.77%) and East Jerusalem (77.78%). Interpretation: This study is the first to report on outcomes of pediatric oncology patients treated at AVH. Males and patients older than 10 years experienced longer diagnostic delays, while patients with solid tumors faced treatment delays 15 times longer than those with leukemia. Gaza patients had higher LTFU rates and treatment-related deaths with significantly inferior survival. Funding: No funding was received.

Source: EClinicalMedicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103463

Authors: Ru'a Rimawi, Kendall Carpenter, Wesam Taleb, Leslie Lehmann, Hani Saleh, Navid Madani

Institutions: Harvard University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Augusta Victoria Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Advances in Oncology and Radiotherapy

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,780