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Byers RJ, Byers AJ, Mumba C, Mutuku A, Singer-Rupp J, Wilson M, Fleming K, Sayed S. Development of an online teaching platform to improve access to postgraduate pathology training in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1390560. [PMID: 38774394 PMCID: PMC11106480 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1390560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Resource barriers to the provision of accessible training in cancer diagnosis in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) limit the potential of African health systems. Long-term provision via teaching visits from senior pathologists and trainee foreign placements is unsustainable due to the prohibitive costs of travel and subsistence. Emerging eLearning methods would allow pathologists to be trained by experts in a cheaper, more efficient, and more scalable way. Purpose This study aimed to develop an online teaching platform, starting with hematopathology, for trainee pathologists in sub-Saharan Africa, initially in Nairobi, Kenya, and Lusaka, Zambia. Methods Course materials were prepared for both Canvas and the Zoom eLearning platforms using digitally scanned slides of lymph nodes and bone marrow trephines. Initial in-person visits were made to each site to establish trainee rapport and maximize engagement, evaluate different methods and course content, and obtain feedback to develop the project. The knowledge of trainees before and after course completion was used to measure initial effectiveness. Online teaching with the preferred platform is to be continued for 1 year before re-evaluation for long-term effectiveness. Results Canvas was selected as the preferred delivery platform as it is freely available and has good functionality to support all required tasks. Face-to-face teaching was considered optimal to establish the initial rapport necessary to maximize subsequent engagement with online teaching. Challenges have included sub-optimal internet speeds and connections and scheduling issues. Weekly online hematopathology teaching sessions using live image capture microscope sessions, Zoom, and Canvas have been delivered to students in Kenya and Zambia, with good attendance and interaction in case discussions. Conclusion Our team has successfully designed and delivered an online training program in hematopathology to trainee pathologists in Kenya and Zambia, which has been ongoing for over a year. This project is now being scaled to other sub-Saharan countries and other sub-specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Byers
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- African Strategies for Advancing Pathology, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Anita J Byers
- Department of Histopathology, Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Chibamba Mumba
- University of Zambia and University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Angela Mutuku
- African Strategies for Advancing Pathology, Denver, CO, United States
- Aga Khan University, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Michael Wilson
- African Strategies for Advancing Pathology, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services, Denver Health and Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Kenneth Fleming
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shahin Sayed
- African Strategies for Advancing Pathology, Denver, CO, United States
- Aga Khan University, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
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Degu A, Karimi PN, Opanga SA, Nyamu DG. Health-related quality of life among patients with esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2038. [PMID: 38507287 PMCID: PMC10953834 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advancement of modern treatment approaches, several studies indicated a diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, there is insufficient data about the HRQoL of gastrointestinal cancer patients in Kenya. AIMS The study aimed to investigate HRQoL and its determinants in gastrointestinal cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital. METHODS A cross-sectional study was employed among 160 esophageal, 103 gastric, and 96 colorectal cancer patients. The patient list, identified by unique hospital identification numbers, was obtained from records. Eligibility was assessed based on predetermined criteria, and the hospital identification numbers were reshuffled. Study participants were then randomly selected daily during the data collection period. Data were collected using a researcher-administered European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire. The data entry and analysis were carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26.0 statistical software. A bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate determinants of HRQoL at a 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS Most esophageal (N = 118, 73.7%), gastric (N = 75, 72.8%), and colorectal (N = 72, 75%) cancer patients had poor overall HRQoL. In the social (p = .04) and cognitive (p = .02) domain of HRQoL, esophageal cancer patients had a significantly lower mean score as compared to gastric cancer patients. Colorectal cancer patients had the highest mean score in physical functioning (p = .01) as compared with gastric cancer patients. Nonetheless, gastric cancer patients had the highest mean score in emotional functioning domains of quality of life as compared to esophageal (p = .04) and colorectal (p < .001) cancer patients The study revealed a low mean HRQoL score in the majority of the symptom domains of quality of life. A statistically significant difference in all domains of HRQoL was not observed in various treatment modalities of gastrointestinal cancer. Advanced-stage (stages III and IV) and co-morbidities were significant determinants of poor HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS The overall HRQoL of gastrointestinal cancer patients was poor. Advanced-stage cancer and co-morbidities were significant determinants of poor HRQoL. Therefore, intensification of routine monitoring of the disease and the treatments should be actively implemented to improve the HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amsalu Degu
- United States International University–Africa, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy PracticeSchool of Pharmacy and Health SciencesNairobiKenya
- University of Nairobi, Department of PharmacologyClinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practices, Faculty of Health SciencesNairobiKenya
| | - Peter N. Karimi
- University of Nairobi, Department of PharmacologyClinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practices, Faculty of Health SciencesNairobiKenya
| | - Sylvia A. Opanga
- University of Nairobi, Department of PharmacologyClinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practices, Faculty of Health SciencesNairobiKenya
| | - David G. Nyamu
- University of Nairobi, Department of PharmacologyClinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practices, Faculty of Health SciencesNairobiKenya
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Kokori E, Olatunji G, Ogieuhi IJ, Muogbo I, Isarinade D, Ukoaka B, Ajayi I, Ezenwoba C, Samuel O, Nurudeen-Busari H, Olawade DB, Aderinto N. Closing the diagnostic gap: Liquid biopsy potential to transform ovarian cancer outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37154. [PMID: 38306573 PMCID: PMC10843523 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer presents a significant health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where late-stage diagnosis contributes to high mortality rates. This diagnostic gap arises from limited resources, poor healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of awareness about the disease. However, a potential game-changer is emerging in the form of liquid biopsy (LB), a minimally invasive diagnostic method. This paper analyses the current diagnostic gap in ovarian cancer in SSA, highlighting the socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors that hinder early diagnosis and treatment. It discusses the challenges and potential of LB in the context of SSA, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and adaptability to resource-limited settings. The transformative potential of LB in SSA is promising, offering a safer, more accessible, and cost-effective approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis. This paper provides recommendations for future directions, emphasizing the need for research, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration. By recognizing the transformative potential of LB and addressing the diagnostic gap, we can pave the way for early detection, improved treatment, and better outcomes for ovarian cancer patients in SSA. This paper sheds light on a path toward better healthcare access and equity in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kokori
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Gbolahan Olatunji
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | | | - Ifeanyichukwu Muogbo
- Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
| | - David Isarinade
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Bonaventure Ukoaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Irene Ajayi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Chidiogo Ezenwoba
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti
| | - Owolabi Samuel
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - David B. Olawade
- Department of Allied and Public Health, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Aderinto
- Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
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Olatunji E, Patel S, Graef K, Joseph A, Lasebikan N, Mallum A, Chigbo C, Jaffee E, Ngwa W. Utilization of cancer immunotherapy in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1266514. [PMID: 38179176 PMCID: PMC10765613 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1266514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Lancet Oncology Commission for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) predicts that cancer deaths will double from 520,158 per year to more than 1 million per year by the year 2040. These striking figures indicate a need to urgently evaluate cancer treatment infrastructure and resources in the region. Studies have found immunotherapy to be effective for the treatment of advanced-stage cancer, which almost 70% of patients in SSA present with. Despite immunotherapy's significant therapeutic potential, its utilization in SSA is not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the landscape of immunotherapy in SSA. Methods A Qualtrics survey assessing the existing infrastructure and training for safe immunotherapy administration was developed and distributed online via email and WhatsApp to 3,231 healthcare providers across SSA, with a target audience of healthcare providers serving patients with cancer. The survey contained 22 questions evaluating the accessibility, use, knowledge, and training on immunotherapy in SSA. Responses were collected between January and February 2023. Microsoft Excel was used to summarize and visually present the distribution of responses as counts and proportions. Results 292 responses were included from 28 countries in SSA. 29% of all respondents indicated their clinic has easy access to cancer immunotherapy and 46% indicated their clinic currently practices it. Of clinics that practiced immunotherapy (n = 133), 12% used genomic sequencing to assess the tumor mutational burden biomarker, and 44% assessed expression of the PD-L1 biomarker prior to immunotherapy administration. 46% of all respondents were familiar with immunotherapy. 11% indicated being adequately trained to administer it. Of these (n=33), 52% indicated also being trained to manage immune-related adverse events related to immunotherapy administration. Conclusion Immunotherapy utilization and training is low in SSA and insufficient for the rising cancer burden. Increased accessibility and usage of biomarker testing to predict immunotherapy response, incorporation of immunotherapy training into continuous medical education, and increased access to immunotherapy drugs may be prerequisites for expanded utilization of immunotherapy in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Olatunji
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Saloni Patel
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Katy Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adedayo Joseph
- Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority-Lagos University Teaching Hospital (NSIA-LUTH) Cancer Center, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Nwamaka Lasebikan
- Oncology Center, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Abba Mallum
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Oncology, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chinelo Chigbo
- Oncology Center, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth Jaffee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wil Ngwa
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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