Migrant children with leukemia arriving in Argentina have dramatically lower survival than local patients.
Pediatric ALL survival rates are 80% in Argentina but below 60% in neighboring Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia—driving medical migration. This retrospective study of 106 migrant children with ALL at a major Argentine center found stark disparities.
Migrant children with leukemia arriving in Argentina have dramatically lower survival than local patients.
Pediatric ALL survival rates are 80% in Argentina but below 60% in neighboring Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia—driving medical migration. This retrospective study of 106 migrant children with ALL at a major Argentine center found stark disparities.
Migrant children who arrived having already started treatment elsewhere (GROUP-1) had event-free survival of 38% vs. 61% for untreated arriving migrants (GROUP-2) and 75% for native Argentine patients (GROUP-3). 35% of previously treated migrants arrived with incomplete diagnostic workup. Only 5 of 32 patients with HSCT indication actually received it due to regulatory barriers.
International health equity gaps and regulatory obstacles result in preventable deaths in this vulnerable population.
Key Findings
- Migrant children pre-treated elsewhere had 38% EFS vs. 75% for Argentine patients
- 35% of pre-treated migrants arrived with incomplete diagnostic workup
- Only 5 of 32 HSCT-indicated migrant patients received transplant due to regulatory barriers
- ALL survival in neighboring countries <60% vs. 80% in Argentina
- Incomplete diagnosis negatively impacts curative potential
Implications
International regulatory and healthcare system barriers prevent migrant children from accessing curative treatments like HSCT. Policy changes are needed to ensure equitable access regardless of national origin. Improved diagnosis and referral systems in sending countries could reduce health migration.
Caveats
Retrospective single-center study; abstract-only. Selection bias: only those who migrated are included. Regulatory landscape has changed since 2024. Results specific to one Argentine center.
Source: Medicina — 2026-01-01
