International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Global Mapping Program: Analysis of healthcare centers in countries of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP).

Background: The International Society of Paediatric Oncology Society Global Mapping Program aims to describe the local pediatric oncology capacities. Here, we report the data from Latin America.

Methods: A 10-question survey was distributed among chairs of pediatric oncology services.

Impact of a Regional Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program in Guatemala.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe and assess the regional experience of a pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship program based in Guatemala.

Methods: The Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica (UNOP) in Guatemala City, Guatemala, is the only hospital in Central America dedicated exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer. To address the regional need for specialists, a fellowship program in pediatric hematology/oncology was launched in 2003.

Determining the cost and cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in Haiti.

Haiti is a low-income country with one of the lowest human development index rankings in the world. Its childhood cancer services are provided by a single hospital with the only dedicated paediatric oncology department in the country. Our objective was to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of all types of childhood cancer in Haiti to help prioritise investments and to support national cancer control planning.

Factors influencing treatment decision-making for cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Purpose: In this scoping review, we evaluated existing literature related to factors influencing treatment decision-making for patients diagnosed with cancer in low- and middle-income countries, noting factors that influence decisions to pursue treatment with curative versus non-curative intent. We identified an existing framework for adult cancer developed in a high-income country (HIC) context and described similar and novel factors relevant to low-and middle-income country settings.

Methods: We used scoping review methodology to identify and synthesize existing literature on factors influencing decision-making for pediatric and adult cancer in these settings.

Communication transforms the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with cancer and their families.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic altered healthcare systems globally, causing delays in care delivery and increased anxiety among patients and families. This study examined how hospital stakeholders and clinicians perceived the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with cancer and their families.

Methods: This secondary analysis examined data from a qualitative study consisting of 19 focus groups conducted in 8 languages throughout 16 countries.

Children's understanding of dying and death: A multinational grounded theory study.

Objectives: The ways in which children understand dying and death remain poorly understood; most studies have been carried out with samples other than persons with an illness. The objective of this study was to understand the process by which children directly involved with life-limiting conditions understand dying and death.

Methods: This qualitative study obtained interview data from  = 44 5-18-year-old children in the USA, Haiti, and Uganda who were pediatric palliative care patients or siblings of patients.

Interdisciplinary care of pediatric oncology patients: A survey of clinicians in Central America and the Caribbean.

Background: Quality cancer care depends on interdisciplinary communication. This study explored the communication practices of interdisciplinary clinicians, the types of healthcare services for which they engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and the association between interdisciplinary care and perceived quality of care, as well as job satisfaction.

Methods: We conducted a survey of interdisciplinary clinicians from cancer centers in Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador, and Haiti.

Impact of COVID-19 in pediatric oncology care in Latin America during the first year of the pandemic.

Background: The ongoing coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic strained medical systems worldwide. We report on the impact on pediatric oncology care in Latin American (LATAM) during its first year.

Method: Four cross-sectional surveys were electronically distributed among pediatric onco-hematologists in April/June/October 2020, and April/2021 through the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP) email list and St Jude Global regional partners.

Pediatric Oncology Palliative Care Programs in Central America: Pathways to Success.

Palliative care offers children who have life-limiting and life-threatening oncologic illnesses and their families improved quality of life. In some instances, impeccable symptom control can lead to improved survival. Cultural and financial barriers to palliative care in oncology patients occur in all countries, and those located in Central America are no exception.

Resilient health care in global pediatric oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: In the face of unprecedented challenges because of coronavirus disease 2019, interdisciplinary pediatric oncology teams have developed strategies to continue providing high-quality cancer care. This study explored factors contributing to health care resilience as perceived by childhood cancer providers in all resource level settings.

Methods: This qualitative study consisted of 19 focus groups conducted in 16 countries in 8 languages.

Interdisciplinary care of pediatric oncology patients in Central America and the Caribbean.

Background: Interdisciplinary teamwork supports high-quality cancer care and effective utilization of limited resources. This study purposed to examine the value, structure, process, and effectiveness of interdisciplinary care (IDC) among pediatric oncology providers in low-income and middle-income countries in Central America and the Caribbean.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was disseminated to pediatric oncology providers at 5 centers participating in the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Association of Central America.

Global Retinoblastoma Presentation and Analysis by National Income Level.

Importance: Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular cancer, can save both a child's life and vision. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many children across the world are diagnosed late. To our knowledge, the clinical presentation of retinoblastoma has never been assessed on a global scale.