EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ONCOHEMATOLOGICAL NEOPLASMS DIAGNOSED IN A TERTIARY PUBLIC PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT, BETWEEN 2023 AND 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Oncohematological neoplasms are the most common disorders in children. However, few studies address the epidemiology of pediatric cancer, a fundamental aspect for decision-making in the management of this complex condition. Aim: This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of oncohematological neoplasms diagnosed in a tertiary public pediatric hospital in the Federal District, between July 2023 and July 2024. Material and methods: This is a descriptive study, based on prospective analysis. The research was approved by local Ethics Committee. Results: During this period, 48 cases of oncohematological neoplasms were diagnosed, of which 79% (n = 38) were leukemias and 21% (n = 10) were lymphomas. Among the leukemias, 84% (n = 32) were classified as acute lymphoblastic - 68% (n = 26) type B (B-ALL) and 16% (n = 6) type T (T-ALL) - and 16% (n = 6) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Of the lymphomas, 60% (n = 6) were Hodgkin's lymphomas (HL) and 40% (n = 4) non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Both B-ALL and AML were more frequent in the age group between 0 and 5 years, 65% (n = 17) and 83% (n = 5), respectively. In T-ALL and NHL, the highest percentage, 50% (n = 3) and (n = 2), occurred in the age group of 6 to 11 years, and in HL, 67% (n = 4), between 12 and 17 years. The incidence was higher for males in T-ALL 83% (n = 5), AML 67% (n = 4) and NHL 67% (n = 4). In B-ALL and HL, there was no difference in incidence between the sexes. In the period considered, 8% (n = 2) of the children diagnosed with B-ALL suffered a relapse and 8% (n = 2) died. In T-ALL and AML, 17% (n = 1) and (n = 1) died, and in NHL and HL, 25% (n = 1) and 17% (n = 1), respectively, suffered a relapse. Discussion: Of the diagnosed cases, 79% were leukemias, which reflects their predominance among pediatric oncohematological neoplasms. Regarding the significant percentage of B-ALL identified, it reinforces the global trend of the most common classification in childhood. Among lymphomas, NHL is the most common among children, consistent with the profile found in this center. The age analysis revealed that leukemias, especially B-ALL and AML, are more frequent in early childhood, while lymphomas and T-ALL predominated in older age groups, corroborating the patterns found in the states with the highest rates of oncohematological diseases (Ceará and Santa Catarina). The predominance of males for T-ALL, AML and NHL highlights the profile observed in the literature, although the equal distribution between sexes for B-ALL and HL suggests a variability that may be specific to the group studied. In B-ALL and lymphomas, low relapse and death rates are similar to those in developed countries, where survival rates exceed 80%. In contrast, AML and T-ALL have a less favorable prognosis, which indicates the aggressive nature of these classifications and the need for greater attention from public health policies. Conclusion: However, understanding the epidemiology of pediatric oncohematological neoplasms is essential to improving early diagnosis and treatment, which can increase survival rates and enable personalized treatments based on the clinical and epidemiological profile of each group. In addition, understanding regional variations can guide the allocation of resources and health policies, and drive the development of research focused on precision diagnosis, expanding access to treatment based on personalized medicine.