Despite representing 4% of the world’s new cancer cases in 2020, only 0.5% of cancer clinical trials have been performed in sub-Saharan Africa. Several factors, including the continent’s limited number of experienced clinical researchers, have contributed to Africa’s underrepresentation in clinical trials. Given the continent’s predicted increase in new cancer cases over the next two decades, experts – such as the authors of the 2022 Lancet Oncology Commission on cancer in sub-Saharan Africa – are advocating for enhanced investment in Africa’s clinical trial workforce and infrastructure.
Recognizing the importance of cancer clinical trials performed in Africa, by African healthcare providers, with African patients to informing clinical practice and ensuring health equity, BVGH organized and led a 14-week digital clinical trial training program targeting researchers and clinicians in Africa. During the course, attendees shared their struggles to secure the funding needed to perform their own clinical studies. In response, BVGH launched the African Consortium for Cancer Clinical Trials (AC3T) Study Pool Mini-Grant Program to provide early-career African researchers with opportunities to lead cancer research projects of interest to them, apply the knowledge gained during the training program, and strengthen their research resumes.
Applications from across Africa were reviewed by the AC3T Selection Committee, composed of oncologists and clinical trial experts from the USA and Africa. Eight cancer clinicians from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda were awarded Mini-Grants of $2,000. BVGH also paired each awardee with an external mentor or thought partner to provide guidance throughout the research project. The awardees are confident that the Mini-Grants not only position them to apply for larger external grants but can be catalysts for change. Dr. Annet Nakaganda of the Uganda Cancer Institute noted that “Cancer research grants are hard to come by in Uganda. Those that are available often require preliminary data. The AC3T Study Pool Mini-Grant has enabled me to produce data that position me for further funding success. Most importantly, the data allow us to improve the lives of our cancer patients.”
Meet BVGH’s 2021 AC3T Study Pool Mini-Grant awardees:
Dr. Sharon Mweni, Director of Medical Services and Research
Mrs. Faith Mutisya, Assistant Director of Nursing
Country: Kenya
Institution: Machakos Cancer Center (MCC)
Dr. Mweni and Mrs. Mutisya are co-principal investigators studying the characteristics of patients presenting with breast cancer at MCC. Their research will produce evidence-based data that will direct MCC’s use of targeted interventions to enhance early detection of breast cancer in the hospital’s surrounding communities.
Dr. Jamilu Faruk, Pediatrician
Country: Nigeria
Institution: Ahmadu Bello University, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABU/ABUTH)
Dr. Faruk specializes in pediatric cancers and hematological disorders and has a particular interest in leukemias and retinoblastoma. His research project will explore the quality of life of children with cancer and its link to cancer treatment abandonment.
Dr. Faraja Chiwanga, Endocrinologist
Country: Tanzania
Institution: Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH)
Dr. Chiwanga will conduct a six-year retrospective study examining the characteristics of patients with various types of thyroid cancer. She will also assess correlations between pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology – a biopsy method used for rapid evaluation of abnormal tissue – and post-operative presentation of nodules in thyroid cancer patients. Dr. Chiwanga anticipates her research will contribute to the understanding of thyroid cancer patients’ characteristics and create opportunities to improve the quality and performance of fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules at MNH.
Dr. Annet Nakaganda, Clinical Officer and Cancer Epidemiologist
Country: Uganda
Institution: Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)
Dr. Nakaganda is a leader in cancer research and control and is interested in identifying novel approaches to accelerate the use of locally generated cancer data to direct cancer control efforts. Dr. Nakaganda’s project will focus on evaluating the incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestation(s), assessment, and treatment of radiation-induced vaginal stenosis in cervical cancer patients at UCI.
Dr. Adu Appiah-Kubi, Gynecologic Oncologist
Country: Ghana
Institution: University of Health and Allied Sciences
Dr. Appiah-Kubi’s research will explore the most frequently reported adverse effects experienced by gynecologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the nearby KATH, as well as the most common mechanisms patients use to cope with treatment-induced pain. Dr. Appiah-Kubi will use his research to improve pain management strategies employed by clinicians at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Nazima Dharsee, Consultant Oncologist
Country: Tanzania
Institution: Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI)
Dr. Dharsee will be measuring the effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy treatment (PRT) on pain management in patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD), a highly painful condition triggered by advanced-stage cancer. By investigating factors that influence PRT effectiveness, Dr. Dharsee will gain valuable insights into prescribing the most appropriate PRT regimens and improving quality of life for patients with MBD.
Dr. Adewumi Alabi, Clinical and Radiation Oncologist
Country: Nigeria
Institution: NSIA-LUTH Cancer Center (NLCC)
Dr. Alabi specializes in the treatment of adult solid tumors, including prostate, breast, and gynecological cancers. She has a passion for clinical research with a focus on cancer treatment, quality of life, and issues related to cancer survivorship. Her project will use mobile technology to determine the effects of delay on breast cancer patients’ stage of presentation at NLCC. Dr. Alabi’s data will support the hospital in addressing the factors that contribute to late-stage diagnoses in order to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients at NLCC.
Seed funding for the AC3T Mini Grants is provided by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
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