Publications by authors named "R Uys"
Background And Objectives: Outcomes of rare paediatric teratomas have not previously been reported nor treatment regimens standardised in low- and middle-income settings. We sought to evaluate treatment outcomes of children and adolescents with histologically confirmed extracranial germ cell tumours, both mature teratomas (MT) and immature teratomas (IT) in preparation for the development of the South African national treatment guideline.
Methods: Retrospective data by folder review were collated from nine South African paediatric oncology units.
Article Synopsis
- ! Many South African children with cancer face significant challenges due to poverty and food insecurity, impacting their nutritional status and treatment outcomes.*
- ! A study showed that nearly 28% of pediatric oncology patients had high poverty risk, which correlated with stunting and increased likelihood of treatment abandonment and lower survival rates.*
- ! Understanding the links between malnutrition, poverty, and food insecurity is crucial for providing effective nutritional support to at-risk children during their cancer treatment.*
This study investigates the prevalence of vitamin and iron deficiencies at cancer diagnosis. Newly diagnosed children between October 2018 and December 2020 at two South African pediatric oncology units (POUs) were assessed for nutritional and micronutrient status (Vit A, Vit B12, Vit D, folate, and iron). A structured interview with caregivers provided information regarding hunger and poverty risks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To determine the overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors influencing outcomes in children and adolescents with malignant extracranial germ cell tumours (MEGCTs) in preparation for the development of a harmonised national treatment protocol.
Methods: A retrospective folder review was undertaken at nine South African paediatric oncology units to document patient profiles, tumour and treatment-related data and outcomes for all children with biopsy-proven MEGCTs from birth up to and including 16 years of age.
Results: Between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015, 218 patients were diagnosed with MEGCTs.
Article Synopsis
- The World Health Organization and International Paediatric Oncology Society aim to boost childhood cancer survival rates in low- and middle-income countries to 60% by 2030 through standardized treatment protocols.
- The study focused on creating and implementing a neuroblastoma treatment protocol (SACCSG NB-2017) in South Africa, utilizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to assess various influencing factors.
- Despite challenges like bureaucratic delays and inconsistent research ethics procedures, the development of the protocol involved 26 doctors over 26 months and showed that standardized treatment is achievable even in resource-limited settings.