Outcome of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Central America: A report of the Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology of Central America (AHOPCA).

Background: Treating B-non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) in lower-income countries is challenging because of imprecise diagnosis, the increased risk of fatal toxicity associated with advanced disease at presentation, and limited supportive care.

Procedure: Central American patients with newly diagnosed stage I or II B-NHL received a modified Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) regimen including a prephase (prednisone, cyclophosphamide) followed by A/B/A courses (A: cytarabine, dexamethasone, etoposide, ifosfamide, methotrexate, and intrathecal therapy; B: cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and intrathecal therapy). Those with stage III or IV NHL received additional courses (B/A/B), intensified for stage IV disease by additional vincristine and methotrexate doses.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in Central America: A Report From the Central American Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (AHOPCA).

Background: Although anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is curable in high-income countries (HIC), data from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are lacking. We therefore conducted a retrospective study of the Central American Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (AHOPCA) experience in treating ALCL.

Procedure: We included all patients age <18 years newly diagnosed with ALCL treated between 2000 and 2013 in seven AHOPCA institutions.

Consummation of the legislative map of transplantation in Latin America: Law on Donation and Transplantation Nicaragua--the last piece of the puzzle.

Latin America started its transplant activity early-as soon as the first transplants in the world took place. Its member states have created their laws of donation and transplantation also. The first laws for transplants in the region were created in Brazil in 1963.

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Nicaragua: long-term results in the context of an international cooperative program.

Background: The aim of this paper is to describe the results of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment in Nicaragua from 1995 to 2005 in the context of an international cooperation program.

Procedures: Patients <18 years with ALL were treated with two consecutive protocols (1995 and 2000). After a steroid prophase, a three-drug induction was administered in protocol 1995, and a four-drug induction, including asparaginase, was administered in protocol 2000.