Study links poverty to increased ALL cancer relapse
Study links poverty to increased ALL cancer relapse University of Alabama at Birmingham
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New Study Shows Possible Link Between Poverty and Relapse in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Introduction
A new study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine suggests a potential association between the economic status of a family and the likelihood of relapse in children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of blood cancer characterized by uncontrolled production of cancer cells in the bone marrow, leading to the prevention of normal blood cell formation. The treatment for ALL involves several years of chemotherapy, with cure rates exceeding 90 percent with modern treatments.
The Study
The study, published in the journal Blood by the American Society of Hematology, monitored over 600 participants who had been diagnosed with ALL. The average age of the participants was 6 years old, and they were followed for nearly eight years after completing their treatment.
Poverty Threshold
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the weighted average poverty threshold for a four-person household in 2019 was $26,172. In this study, families with incomes below 120 percent of the federal threshold were considered to be living in extreme poverty. Overall, 12.3 percent of the study participants met the criteria for extreme poverty.
Findings
The researchers discovered that the chance of relapse in ALL patients three years after diagnosis was higher in households living in extreme poverty compared to those without extreme poverty. The likelihood of relapse was 14.3 percent for patients in extreme poverty, while it was 7.6 percent for those without extreme poverty.
Implications
The study’s findings raise questions about the potential biological effects of living in poverty and the structural barriers to adequate healthcare that caregivers may face, which could increase the risk of relapse in children with ALL.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The study highlights the impact of poverty on the health outcomes of children with ALL, emphasizing the need to address poverty as a key factor in achieving overall well-being.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The research underscores the importance of providing adequate healthcare and support to children with ALL, particularly those living in extreme poverty, to improve their chances of recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The study highlights the disparities in relapse rates between children living in extreme poverty and those without, emphasizing the need to address socioeconomic inequalities to ensure equal access to healthcare and better health outcomes.
Recommendations
Looking ahead, the lead researcher, Dr. Aman Wadhwa, suggests that pediatric oncologists screening for poverty among children with ALL can utilize available resources such as gas cards and food vouchers to assist families struggling with basic needs. Further research is needed to understand the causal mechanisms behind the increased risk of relapse in children living in poverty and to develop targeted interventions to improve cure rates for ALL.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article primarily addresses SDG 1: No Poverty, as it discusses the possible link between poverty and the risk of relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It also indirectly touches upon SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as it highlights the impact of poverty on a child’s health outcomes.
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content
- Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
The article highlights the impact of poverty on relapse rates in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which aligns with Target 1.2 of SDG 1. It also emphasizes the need to improve health outcomes for these children, which relates to Target 3.4 of SDG 3.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress towards the Identified Targets
- Indicator for Target 1.2: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age group.
- Indicator for Target 3.4: Mortality rate attributed to leukemia among children aged 1-14 years.
The article mentions that families with incomes under 120 percent of the federal poverty threshold were considered to be living in extreme poverty. This indicates the use of an income-based indicator to measure poverty levels, which aligns with the indicator for Target 1.2. Additionally, the article discusses the risk of relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, implying the need to measure the mortality rate attributed to leukemia among children aged 1-14 years, which relates to the indicator for Target 3.4.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. | Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age group. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Mortality rate attributed to leukemia among children aged 1-14 years. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: uab.edu
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