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Approximately 20 000 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma are diagnosed each year in North America and Europe. However in Africa, the incidence of this condition is almost unknown. While publications from western countries and the rest of world are numerous in the literature, few data from Africa about this malignancy are available. The aim of this retro and prospective, unicentric study over 3 years is to describe the epidemiologic, pathologic, clinical and therapeutic aspects of children treated for Hodgkin lymphoma in our paediatric oncology unit of Gabriel-Toure Hospital, Bamako (Mali). From January 2005 to December 2007, all children under 18 years of age, with histologically proven Hodgkin lymphoma, not previously treated by chemotherapy and HIV negative, were included in this study. Informed consent was obtained from parents. The treatment protocol was the GFAOP (Groupe franco-africain d’oncologie pediatrique) Hodgkin lymphoma treatment protocol: COPP/ABV (Cyclophosphamid, Vincristin, Prednisone, Procarbazin, Adriamycine, bleomycin and vinblastine). During the study period, 217 cancer cases were diagnosed in our centre. Of these cases, 7 were Hodgkin Lymphoma (0.04%). The average age was 11.7 years. The sex-ratio was 6/1 in favor of boys. 6.71% (5/7) of the patients were stage IIB and 28.6 % (2/7) of the patients were stage IIIB of the Ann-Arbor classification. Histologically, there were 42.8% cases of sclero-nodular subtype, 28.6% of lymphocyte-rich subtype, 14.3 % of mixed cellularity and 14.3% of lymphocyte depleted subtype. After 4 years follow-up, 5 patients (71.4 %) were alive, and 2 patients (28.6 %) had died from drug toxicity. Hodgkin lymphoma is a relatively rare condition in African children which can be cured. Broader multicentric studies are needed for more accurate data on this malignancy.

Introduction. The aim of this retrospective, unicentric study over 5 years is to describe the epidemiologic, pathologic, clinic and therapeutic aspects of children treated for Hodgkin lymphoma in our paediatric oncology unit.Patients and Methods. From January 2005 to December 2009, all children under 18 years of age, with Hodgkin lymphoma were included in this study. The treatment protocol was the GFAOP (Groupe Franco—Africain d'Oncologie Pédiatrique) Hodgkin lymphoma treatment protocol.Results. During the study period, 217 cancer cases were diagnosed in our centre. Of these cases, 7 were Hodgkin Lymphoma (LH) (0.04%). The mean age was 11.7 years. The sex-ratio was 6/1. 4% (5/7) of patients were stage IIB and 28.6% (2/7) stage IIIB of Ann-Arbor classification. There were 3 cases (42.8%) of sclero-nodular subtype, 2 cases (28.6%) of lymphocyte-rich classical HL subtype, 1 case (14.3%) of mixed cellularity and 1 case (14.3%) of lymphocyte depleted subtype. With a median followup of 37 months, 5 patients (71.4%) are alive, and 2 patients (28.6%) died.Conclusion. Broader multicentric studies are needed for more accurate data on this malignancy.

Introduction Tres peu de series africaines sur la maladie de Hodgkin pediatrique sont rapportees. Objectif decrire dans tous les aspects les differents cas de lymphome de Hodgkin traites dans notre unite d’oncologie pediatrique. Patients et Methodes Tout patient atteint de maladie de Hodgkin a ete inclus dans cette etude retrospective s’etendant du 1 er janvier 2005 au 31 decembre 2007. Les patients avaient ete traites par COPP/ABV. Resultats Durant la periode d’etude au total 217 cas de cancers de l’enfant ont ete diagnostiques et traites. Parmi ces cas de cancers, 7 etaient des lymphomes de Hodgkin (0,04 %). Le sex-ratio etait de 6 en faveur des garcons : 86 % contre 14 %. L’âge moyen etait de 11,71 ans avec des extremes de 6 et 15 ans. Dans 71,4 % des cas le delai de diagnostic etait compris entre 4 et 12 mois. 71,4 % des cas etaient des stades II de la classification d’Ann Arbor et 28,6 % des stades III. Histologiquement on notait : 42,8 % de formes scleronodulaires, 28,6 % de formes a predominance lymphocytaire, 14,3 % de cellularite mixte, 14,3 % de formes a depletion lymphocytaire. En Mars 2009, 71,4 % des malades etaient en remission complete, 28,6 % etaient decedes. Conclusion Avec une chimiotherapie bien conduite, le pronostic de la maladie de Hodgkin reste bon.