Web-based survey of resources for treatment and long-term follow-up for children with brain tumors in developing countries

• DOI: 10.1007/s00381-011-1479-9
• Publication Date: 2011-05-16T12:31:16Z
• Authors: Ibrahim Qaddoumi; Ekrem Unal; Blanca Diez; Rejin Kebudi; Yuri Quintana; Eric Bouffet; Guillermo Chantada
• Keywords: High income countries

Information about pediatric survivors of brain tumors in developing countries is scant.In this study, we aimed to investigate the availability of resources for treatment and long-term follow-up of children with central nervous system tumors in developing countries.A web-based questionnaire on available services and follow-up of brain tumor survivors was posted at www.cure4kids.org , and registered users were invited to participate.A total of 140 evaluable responses from developing countries (n = 103) and high-income countries (n = 37) were obtained. There was a significant correlation between gross national income and the availability of services for treatment and follow-up and between patient load and the availability of some services.The resources for treatment and long-term follow-up of children with brain tumors need to be improved in developing countries.