Triple-hit explanation for the worse prognosis of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia among Mexican and Hispanic children

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy among Mexican and Hispanic children and the first cause of death by disease in Mexico. We propose a triple-hit explanation for the survival gap affecting this population. The first hit can be attributed to epidemiology and social, cultural, and economic burdens. The second hit refers to cancer biology, with a high incidence of unfavorable genetic characteristics associated with an unfavorable response to treatment and, subsequently, poor survival. Finally, the third hit relates to sub-optimal treatment and support. Society and culture, leukemia biology, and treatment approach limitations are key factors that should not be seen apart and must be considered comprehensively in any strategy to improve the prognosis of Mexican and Hispanic children with ALL.

Automated summary

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a major health issue among Mexican and Hispanic children, with a significant survival gap. This can be attributed to three main factors, including epidemiology and social, cultural, and economic burdens, cancer biology with unfavorable genetic characteristics and poor response to treatment, as well as sub-optimal treatment and support.