Abstract:
Worldwide, acute leukaemias account for about a third of all childhood cancers and ALL
represents about 80% of all acute leukaemias in children below the age of 15 years [1].
Survival rates for childhood ALL have improved significantly in developed countries over
the past fifty years and are currently at about 90% [2]. Improved laboratory diagnostic
64 capabilities with more precise risk-directed treatment regimens, availability of adequate
supportive care and biologically targeted therapies have contributed to these improved
outcomes [3]. In comparison, outcomes of children with ALL in resource-poor nations
remain sub-optimal [4]. The reasons for these poor outcomes are multi-factorial and
68 include lack of recognition of childhood cancers as a health priority, poor health
infrastructure with few specialized paediatric oncology units and trained personnel,
limited laboratory facilities, missed diagnoses, poverty (rendering chemotherapy and
other related healthcare costs unaffordable), delayed presentation to hospital and
abandonment of therapy [4].
