Encountering a pediatric cancer patient in Tanzania

Burkett’s Lymphoma (BL) is a cancer prevalent in East Africa that is thought to be caused by EBV (Epstein Barr Virus).  It is seen mostly in children who experience tumor growth generally in the face or abdomen.  Dr. Esther and SHED are currently participating in research and treatment funded by the National Cancer Institute through a program called EMBLEM and there is actually a Burkett’s Lymphoma center across the street from the SHED complex.  When arriving in Shirati, I was excited to hear about this and was interested in anything I could do to help (I’m really missing my CARTI Kids, especially since I missed the trip this year…in Chicago of all places-Go Cubbies!).  There was a patient admitted into the center when I got here, but unfortunately soon after my arrival he died from BL.  This past week, however, Ante came across what she believed to be a boy with BL.  He and his father came in to the clinic because the boy’s foot was swollen (like a baseball) and severely infected.  After Ante helped them with the foot, the father mentioned that the boy had a big lump in his lower belly.  The lump felt just like a tumor, so we brought him back to Shirati with us for observation and possible treatment (it blew my mind that the tumor was actually a side-note of the visit and thanks to Ante, they were able to identify another very dangerous complication for this boy).  Turns out he does have BL and after an ultrasound of his abdomen, we know that the tumor is very big and wrapped around his spleen.  This is a complicated situation because before the tumor can be treated with chemotherapy, the infection in the foot must be controlled.  Over the past week, we’ve been soaking the foot, he’s been heavily medicated with antibiotics, and the swelling and infection are slowly going away.  The boy has been a champ, especially considering that a week ago his life was totally normal (besides of course the massive, painful foot that he had) and now he’s a young teenager having to battle cancer, the effects of chemo, and a weakened body.  I will keep updated on his progress.

For more information regarding BL and the EMBLEM study, visit the SHED Foundation at www.shedfoundation.org