Clinicopathologic Characterization of Children With B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Over 10 Years at a Tertiary Center in Cape Town, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: We characterized B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases over 10 years at a tertiary children's hospital to contribute to the body of knowledge on pediatric lymphoma in developing countries with a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out using clinical and laboratory records of children newly diagnosed with B-cell NHL from January 2005 to December 2014. RESULTS: Seventy-five children ≤15 years of age were included. The majority had Burkitt lymphoma (n=61). Overall, (n=19) were HIV positive and 16% (n=12) had concurrent active tuberculosis. Bulky disease was present in 65.7% (n=46) and 30.1% (n=22) were classified as Lymphomes Malins B risk group C. The 5-year survival estimates for HIV-negative and HIV-positive children were similar in our cohort: 81% versus 79% for event-free survival and 85% versus 83.9% for overall survival. Of 3 children with Burkitt lymphoma, HIV, and Lymphomes Malins B group C, 2 died within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of HIV status, the survival of children in our B-cell NHL cohort compares favorably with cure rates in developed nations, although advanced disease remains associated with a poor prognosis. Characterization of childhood NHL cases contributes to accurate risk stratification and tailored treatment.

Better futures: a randomized field test of a model for supporting young people in foster care with mental health challenges to participate in higher education.

The purpose of the study was to conduct a preliminary efficacy evaluation of the Better Futures model, which is focused on improving the postsecondary preparation and participation of youth in foster care with mental health challenges. Sixty-seven youth were randomized to either a control group that received typical services or an intervention group, which involved participation in a Summer Institute, individual peer coaching, and mentoring workshops. Findings indicate significant gains for the intervention group on measures of postsecondary participation, postsecondary and transition preparation, hope, self-determination, and mental health empowerment, as compared to the control group. Youth in the intervention group also showed positive trends in the areas of mental health recovery, quality of life, and high school completion. Implications for future research and practice are discussed, while emphasizing the capacities of youth in foster care with mental health conditions to successfully prepare for and participate fully in high education.