Lymphoma in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of the epidemiology, treatment challenges, and patient pathways

Improving cancer outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) requires effective implementation of evidence-based strategies. This scoping review maps the evidence on lymphoma epidemiology, treatment challenges, and patient pathways in SSA from 2011 to 2022.

A comprehensive three-step search was conducted without language restrictions.

Eighty-four publications were included, 83% published after 2017. Southern and Eastern Africa led in output. Most studies were chart reviews (47.6%) and cohort studies (25%). NHL accounted for over 80% of cases, with an age-standardized rate (ASR) reaching 10.9/100,000, while HL had an ASR of 0.4–2.3/100,000. Compared to studies in Europe and US, SSA studies reported lower incidence rates, higher HIV comorbidity, and younger median ages. Diagnosis is often delayed, incomplete and lacks sub-classification with HIV and tuberculosis further complicating care. One-year survival rates are around 50% for NHL and over 75% for HL. Treatment is well-tolerated with an acceptable treatment-related mortality rate. However, outcomes are affected by diagnostic delays, late presentations, and treatment abandonment. Non-clinical aspects of care such as financial constraints negatively impact patient pathways.

Addressing diagnostic delays, misdiagnosis, and treatment abandonment is crucial. Strengthening care access, diagnostics, and integrating innovative strategies including a multidisciplinary approach and re-designing efficient clinical diagnostic pathways are vital.