Comprehensive care for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Mexico: challenges, perspectives, and strategies to enhance early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and long-term care Atención integral de la leucemia linfoblástica aguda infantil en México: desafíos, perspectivas y estrategias para mejorar el diagnóstico temprano, el tratamiento integral y el cuidado a largo plazo
Academic Article in Scopus
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a major public health challenge in Mexico, with survival rates lower than in high-income countries. Significant disparities persist in timely diagnosis, advanced testing, effective treatments, and research opportunities. This article proposes a national strategy with five key objectives: (1) improve early diagnosis; (2) ensure equitable access to advanced diagnostic tools; (3) strengthen the National Childhood Cancer Registry; (4) expand comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and decentralized treatments, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; and (5) promote cutting-edge research through national and international collaboration. Scalable interventions include standardized clinical algorithms, digital health tools, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns. The plan also addresses structural issues such as health system fragmenta-tion, socioeconomic inequities, and genetic factors linked to poor outcomes. With coordinated national efforts and strategic invest-ment, Mexico can reduce mortality, improve quality of life, and bring hope to thousands of families affected by childhood ALL.
