Purpose
Survival from Wilms Tumor (WT) exceeds 90% at 5 years in developed nations,
whereas at last report, 2-year event-free survival (EFS) in Kenya reached only 35%. To
clarify factors linked to these poor outcomes in Kenya, we established a comprehensive web-based WT
registry, comprised of patients from the four primary hospitals treating childhood cancers.
Materials and Methods
WT patients diagnosed between January 2008 and January 2012 were identified. Files were
abstracted for demographic characteristics, treatment regimens, and enrollment in the Kenyan
National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Children under 15 years of age having both a primary kidney
tumor on imaging and concordant histology consistent with WT were included.
Results
Two-year event-free survival (EFS) was 52.7% for all patients (n=133),
although loss to follow up (LTFU) was 50%. For the 33 patients who completed all scheduled
standard therapy, 2-year EFS was 94%. Patients enrolled in NHIF tended to complete more
standard therapy and had a lower hazard of death (Cox 0.192, p <0.001).
Conclusion
Survival of Kenyan WT patients has increased slightly since last report. Notably, WT
patients completing all phases of standard therapy experienced 2-year survival approaching the
benchmarks of developed nations. Efforts in Kenya should be made to enhance compliance with WT
treatment through NHIF enrollment.
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