Thursday, April 3, 2025
4/3/2025
Addressing cancer disparities in Nigeria through Immuno-oncology Research – The NOLA Program - PROJECT SUMMARY – OVERALL In the US and other high-income countries, immunotherapy is transforming the management of some cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, immunotherapy is not widely available to patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who might benefit the most. Our collaborations in sub-Saharan Africa over the past 10 years have highlighted disparities for Nigerian patients diagnosed with CRC – 53% of Nigerian CRC patients will die within a year of diagnosis, compared to 17% in the US – and incidence in Nigeria is rising. Interestingly, in work to understand the biological underpinnings of these disparities, we found a 3-fold higher rate of the immunogenic MSI-H (high microsatellite instability) phenotype in Nigerian compared to US CRC, suggesting a unique opportunity to address CRC disparities in Nigeria with immunotherapy. Based on these findings, we are separately initiating the first prospective trial of immunotherapy for MSI-H CRC in sub-Saharan Africa. While promising, our work in this area has illuminated the severe lack of immuno-oncology data from Nigerian patients (and other LMIC populations) at all scientific levels. Bringing the promise of immunotherapy to these populations requires a contextual understanding of CRC immunobiology, biomarkers to efficiently and cost-effectively select patients most likely to benefit from treatment, and regional immuno-oncology experts with knowledge of immunotherapy and immune-related side effects. To address these needs, we will establish the Nigerian Immuno-Oncology Research (NOLA) program, with a goal to synergize our existing strengths in global cancer disparities research and immuno-oncology that have, until now, lacked an integrated focus and coordination. Specifically, in this P20 project, we will unite a multi-disciplinary group to 1. develop pilot data to guide future studies investigating the tumor microenvironment of Nigerian CRC; 2. integrate a multi-disciplinary team and research projects focused on immuno-oncology in Nigerian and US cancer patients; and 3. develop biobanks and databases of Nigerian CRC to support future immuno-oncology research. By the end of the project period, we will have generated the preliminary data, resources, infrastructure, and program plan to support a robust multi-disciplinary, collaborative immuno-oncology research to address health disparities between Nigerian and US patients with CRC beyond the P20.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).