Partner: Romanian Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology
Technical support: “Ion Chiricuţă” Oncological Institute Cluj-NapocaValidation: Joint Research Center – Cancer Information Unit – European Commission
The survival rate at 5 years from the date of diagnosis for cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 was 69.4% for the age group 0-14 years, in line with the average of Eastern European countries but 10% lower than the average of Western European countries.
The first survival study in pediatric cancers in Romania for cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 was conducted in 2019 by the “Daruieste Aripi” Association in partnership with the Romanian Society of Pediatric Onco-Hematology.
Survival rates were calculated for the diagnostic cohort, by locations (respectively by ICCC3 classes), and by age groups (0-14, 0-19, 15-19 years).
- 5-year survival for cases diagnosed between 2010-2013
- 4-year survival for cases diagnosed between 2010-2014
- 3-year survival for cases diagnosed between 2010-2015
A graphic presentation of the study can be consulted here .
Survival analysis:
The analysis included all cancer cases recorded in all pediatric onco-hematology units in Romania from 2010 to 2013. It encompasses cases treated both in Romania and abroad.
Conclusions:
Experts from the European Union, authors of the EUROCARE study, attribute differences in cancer survival between Eastern and Western Europe mainly to disparities in resources allocated to the healthcare system, especially drug supply, the organization of multidisciplinary services, possible delays in diagnosis and treatment, difficulties in therapeutic management, and the management of side effects.
In Romania, the issue of ensuring the availability of cytostatic drugs is always in the spotlight of public opinion and authorities. In recent times, several measures have been adopted at the central level to address shortcomings affecting the availability of certain drugs on the market. However, at the local level (especially for departments with a low case turnover), the supply is still burdened by interruptions.
On the other hand, equal attention should be given to ensuring multidisciplinary cooperation in solving cases (especially with surgical specialties), the patient’s journey from child-adolescent-adult with cancer (through dedicated services), and systematic support for the full implementation of recommendations from international guidelines (standardization, information systems, logistical support for patient care, etc.).