Medical experts at OAUTHC during the launch of Nigeria’s first colorectal cancer immunotherapy trial.
Nigeria has launched its first clinical trial using immunotherapy to treat colorectal cancer, a major step in the country’s fight against cancer.
The trial began at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, in partnership with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Medserve’s NSIA Diagnostic Centre, Lagos.
Patients enrolled in the study will receive treatment at no cost.
Professor Olusegun Alatise of Obafemi Awolowo University said the research focuses on PD-1 immunotherapy, a treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells. The study targets patients with a specific genetic form of colorectal cancer.
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He described it as the first immunotherapy clinical trial for colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Experts from Nigeria are working with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the United States. The study has approval from Nigeria’s National Health Research Ethics Committee and NAFDAC.
Health specialists say colorectal cancer is rising in Nigeria, with many patients surviving less than one year after diagnosis.
Researchers believe the trial could improve survival rates and expand treatment options for patients with limited access to advanced cancer care.
Patients have been asked to visit OAUTHC, LUTH, or Medserve NSIA Diagnostic Centre for screening and possible enrollment.
The announcement comes as the world marks World Cancer Day, which promotes cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.
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