Pediatric Colorectal Cancer in Africa: A Multicenter Study on Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes Between 2000 and 2023

Abstract

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in Africa, yet reports in children and adolescents are limited. We describe the epidemiology, management, and survival outcomes of CRC in African children.

Methods

Retrospective data of children under 19 years diagnosed with CRC between 2000 and 2023 were collected from 14 African countries. Patient and tumor characteristics and treatment data were described and survival outcomes analyzed. GLOBOCAN data were used to evaluate age-related geographical distribution of CRC.

Results

Hundred-and-eight patients, 57.4% males, were diagnosed with a mean age of 14.9 (range 5–18) years. The mean symptom-onset-to-diagnosis duration was 90 days (range 2–1200). Most common symptoms were abdominal discomfort (70.6%) and change in bowel habits (57.8%). The commonest primary site was the ascending colon (30.6%) with a mean tumor size of 64.3 mm (range 30–150 mm) and 37% presenting in stage III and 36.1% in stage IV. Most (83.3%) tumors were confirmed on histology, of which 78.7% were adenocarcinoma. Carcinoembryonic antigen was performed in 38.9% of patients. Complete resection was achieved in 55.6% of cases, while 18.5% received radiotherapy. Folinic acid, Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) was the first line chemotherapy in 48.1% of patients. A third of patients were lost to follow-up while 25.6% experienced disease progression. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 40.0% and 16.9%, respectively. Disease stage (p = 0.07) and degree of resection (p = 0.02) predicted outcomes.

Conclusion

Pediatric CRC is characterized by delayed diagnosis and advanced stage presentation, contributing to a significantly lower overall survival compared to adults. Focused research and multidisciplinary management are needed to understand pediatric CRC and improve outcomes.