Children diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma (BL), an aggressive blood cancer, at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have demonstrated impressive survival rates, one of the highest in Africa. A study conducted by researchers from the United States International University-Africa (USIU) and the University of Nairobi reveals that seven out of every ten children treated at KNH between 2016 and 2022 survived for more than five years. This contrasts sharply with survival rates in many other African countries, where only three to six children out of every ten manage to survive this type of cancer beyond five years.
Burkitt lymphoma, although highly aggressive and fatal if untreated, can respond well to intensive chemotherapy regimens, which have contributed to high survival rates in developed nations. The success of treatment at KNH has been attributed to a combination of effective chemotherapy and timely medical intervention, providing hope to children in Kenya and across the continent who face this daunting disease.
The findings, published in the Cancer Reports journal on January 13, 2025, were part of an in-depth analysis of medical records from KNH spanning seven years. The study’s authors, Divya Kumari Toor (USIU), Dr. Amsalu Degu (USIU), and Dr. Peter Karimi (University of Nairobi), examined the treatment outcomes and factors influencing survival among pediatric BL patients at the hospital. According to the research, the survival rate of 70% in Kenya is a significant achievement, especially given the aggressive nature of the disease.
However, the study also pointed to challenges, particularly the late diagnosis of BL in many cases. The most common form of BL in sub-Saharan Africa is linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and malaria, both of which are endemic in the region. The majority of children in the study were diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, particularly Stage IV, which accounted for nearly half of the cases.
Despite the late diagnoses, many children responded well to the treatment provided at KNH. The survival rate was notably higher among children who received full-dose chemotherapy. However, the researchers cautioned that children with more advanced disease and those who received full-dose chemotherapy were at higher risk of death. Specifically, patients with Stage IV disease who underwent intensive chemotherapy were 19.2 times more likely to die compared to those without metastasis.
Another key factor affecting survival was the presence of comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, which significantly lowered the survival chances of affected children. This highlights the importance of providing specialized care that takes into account the individual health needs of each patient.
The researchers emphasized the need for earlier detection and improved access to effective treatments as critical to improving survival outcomes. They noted that while high-income countries such as the United States and those in Europe report survival rates of around 90% for children with Burkitt lymphoma, Kenya’s progress in closing this gap is promising.
To further improve outcomes for pediatric BL patients in Kenya, the researchers recommend enhanced screening programs, better public awareness of childhood cancers, and more access to targeted therapies. With continued efforts in these areas, Kenya has the potential to set a new benchmark for pediatric cancer treatment in Africa, offering a brighter future for children battling this deadly disease.
