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Expanding Cancer Treatment for Children in Cambodia



The Project: Pioneering Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment for Pediatric Patients


The story: Angkor’s Hospital for Children (AHC) has been in collaboration with international cancer experts since 2012, actively pioneering life-saving treatments for common pediatric cancers. Specializing in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and retinoblastoma (RB), AHC has assembled a highly skilled team of oncologists, hematologists, pharmacists, and dedicated hospital support staff. Employing a collaborative and holistic approach, the team is committed to delivering high-quality care to pediatric patients, ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment strategies.


YP Foundation is extending its collaborative partnership with Angkor’s Hospital for Children. In 2023, YP Foundation initiated a 3-year commitment with AHC, focusing on the enhancement of vital and life-saving treatments for pediatric cancer patients in Cambodia. The project is structured around three primary objectives:


1. Pioneering Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment in Cambodia


AHC's Senior Oncology Fellow, Dr. Sammly Vannak, has collaborated with international cancer mentors over the last two years to develop a groundbreaking protocol for treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a blood cancer not currently addressed in Cambodia. AHC’s Executive Committee approved Dr. Vannak's new AML treatment protocol in late 2022. This promising new treatment protocol was the foundation of AHC’s next cancer treatment specialization. 20 AML patients are projected to be treated annually by the year 2025.


Through the three year project, AHC will expand AML treatment and provide patients with

multidisciplinary care that encompasses several hospital departments and aligns with AHC’s

holistic treatment framework. This approach includes providing essential support such as

transportation assistance and food aid to families facing challenges in committing to a lengthy treatment schedule due to resource constraints.


2. Investing in AHC’s Oncology Program


AHC currently has a 14-bed Oncology ward that was first established in 2020 that provides a

secure environment for the administration of chemotherapy treatments while incorporating a

segregated area to minimize infection risks. As part of the three-year grant initiative, a portion will be allocated for a comprehensive physical infrastructure enhancement of the in-patient department. This includes the procurement of new hospital beds and essential medical equipment to further bolster the capabilities of the in-patient department, ensuring a state-of-the-art facility for the optimal care of pediatric cancer patients.


3. Pediatric Oncology Knowledge Sharing


AHC boasts a robust teaching system, actively engaging in the education of hundreds of

nurses, interns, and medical students who visit annually. With support from the YP Foundation grant, AHC plans to expand its educational initiatives by providing comprehensive training on the diagnosis and treatment of specific types of cancer. This includes focused educational programs on conditions such as retinoblastoma, leukemia, osteosarcoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. The grant will thus contribute to enhancing the knowledge and expertise of healthcare professionals, furthering AHC's commitment to delivering high-quality care for pediatric cancer patients.


The Results:

Year 1 - End of Year Highlights

  • 85 new cancer diagnoses

  • 21 types of cancer treated

  • 10 patients were entered into palliative care

  • 43 patients received chemotherapy

YP Foundation’s involvement in AHC’s Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Program has been crucial in the identification and diagnosis of eight AML patients. Out of these, four patients received curative treatment, two received palliative care, and unfortunately, two patients passed away.


Renovation of the oncology ward (IPD-2) and the in-patient ward (IPD-1) has been completed. The renovations included replacing the flooring, ceiling, and electrical systems, as well as painting and installing new fans, doors, toilets, and bathrooms. Air conditioning was installed for the first time, greatly improving the comfort of both patients and providers. Additionally, new hospital beds were installed in the renovated wards to enhance patient comfort, with the previous beds being repurposed for use at other satellite clinics.


Challenges:


After completing the first year of the AML Treatment Program, several challenges have emerged that will be addressed in year two. One significant issue is the lack of a specialized curriculum to train nurses in administering chemotherapy and supporting oncologists. To improve the standard of care, AHC plans to consult with overseas partners to develop comprehensive training and practice guidelines for nurses in various specialty practices.


Another challenge is addressing the emotional distress experienced by patients and their families, who must remain in the hospital for extended periods to complete chemotherapy treatment. To tackle this, AHC’s Oncology and Social Work teams have collaborated to offer group and individual counseling, workshops, and emotional support to both patients and caregivers. Additionally, they will initiate a donation program for toys, books, and other activities to provide comfort and distraction during treatment.


The Future:


In year two of this multi-year grant, the focus will continue on diagnosing and treating childhood cancers in Cambodia, with a specific aim of treating nine AML patients. YP Foundation remains committed to supporting AHC in its efforts to assist pediatric cancer patients, including providing educational training for providers and support staff. YP Foundation is honored to be part of this impactful program.


Please stay tuned for updates on the outcomes and results of the program in the upcoming years. Your continued interest and support are integral to the ongoing success and impact of these initiatives




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