A success story in a low-resource setting: Advancing cancer diagnostics in underserved region

Abstract Introduction/Objective Shefaa Al Orman Hospital (SOH) is the first oncology hospital in Luxor. Since its inception in 2016, the hospital has served approximately 45,000 patients from Luxor and other governorates. The hospital’s lab provides excellent routine laboratory services. However, there is a pressing demand for molecular genetics and cytogenetics, that is necessary for diagnosis of hematological malignancies. This strategic expansion faced several challenges: lack of expertise and the need for special expensive equipment and reagents. Methods/Case Report The project started with collaboration with oncologists to convene on a simplified panel with the aim of prioritizing clinically relevant tests. At first, these investigations were referred to a specialized oncology hospital in Cairo. This entailed 2 problems: transport of samples led to deterioration of the quality of some samples and delay in results reporting. In the second phase, experienced consultants from Cairo were enlisted to provide training and mentorship to local staff. Infrastructure setup included the allocation of dedicated laboratory space and the procurement of specialized equipment. Test method selection was used to achieve successful transition. In cytogenetics, we started with FISH technique which, while more expensive, gave rapid and reliable results. After gaining experience, the technique of conventional karyotyping was established. On the other hand, in molecular genetics, we resorted to custom made reagent mix preparation, instead of commercial kits. This approach, while more laborious, is less expensive. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) With the gradual successful in-house setup of these tests, there has been a notable reduction of out-sourced samples to 5%. This has led to shorter result turnaround times. Cytogenetics and FISH improved from 4 to 1 week, while molecular genetics decreased from 4 to 2 weeks. Moreover, the local processing of samples has minimized the risk of sample damage during transportation, ensuring the integrity of test results. Conclusion The establishment of the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratory at SOH represents a significant milestone. The hospital has successfully overcome logistical challenges and enhanced diagnostic capabilities for hematological malignancies, contributing to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. Moving forward, the continued investment in infrastructure, personnel training, and quality assurance measures will further strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality cancer care to the community.