Establishment of a Brain Tumor Consortium of Africa: Advancing Collaborative Research and Advocacy for Brain Tumors in Africa

Background Brain tumors represent a significant global health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality impacting individuals worldwide and contributing to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. In Africa, this burden is exacerbated by limited access to advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and multi-disciplinary care, compounded by the absence of standardized cancer registration and tumor biobanking. The introduction of molecular diagnostics, as outlined in the 2021 WHO CNS tumor classification, adds complexity to brain tumor management, particularly in regions with scarce resources. Methods To address these issues, the Brain Tumor Consortium for Africa (BTCA) was established in 2023, bringing together experts to improve CNS tumor diagnosis, patient care, and research. The initial project, conducted via an electronic questionnaire, aimed to assess neuro-oncology capacity across SSA. Results The study revealed significant gaps, with a limited number of institutions incorporating molecular subtyping into their diagnostic algorithms. The consortium’s efforts focus on enhancing local data use, informing public policy, and promoting collaboration to advance neuro-oncology practices in Africa. By fostering a network enlisting the expertise of collaborators in the field of neurosurgery, neurology, neuropathology, anatomic pathology, and medical and radiation oncology, the BTCA seeks to improve brain tumor management through better diagnostics, infrastructure and policy advocacy. Future directions include expanding molecular diagnostic capabilities, standardizing brain tumor biobanking, enhancing data collection, and advocating for improved brain tumor care in national health agendas. Conclusion The BTCA represents a pioneering model of collaboration and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of brain tumor care in Africa.

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UNC Libraries
Published
2024-12-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.17615/mfbn-vz81
Primary Topic
Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
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article
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article

Establishment of a Brain Tumor Consortium of Africa: Advancing Collaborative Research and Advocacy for Brain Tumors in Africa

David Kamson, Kwadwo Darko, Michael Magoha, W Elorm Yevudza et al.
UNC Libraries
Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
article

Establishment of a Brain Tumor Consortium of Africa: Advancing Collaborative Research and Advocacy for Brain Tumors in Africa

David Kamson, Kwadwo Darko, Michael Magoha, W Elorm Yevudza, James A. Balogun, Nathalie Ghomsi, C C Anunobi, Jason T. Huse, Desmond Brown, Advera Ngaiza, Kristin Schroeder, Lateef A Odukoya, Olufemi Emmanuel Idowu, Francis Zerd, Dominique Higgins, Umaru Barrie, Ekokobe Fonkem, Teddy Totimeh, Beverly Cheserem, Andrea O Akinjo, Gbètoho Fortuné Gankpé, Robert B. Jenkins, Olufemi Bankole, Arnold B. Etame, Liadi Tiamiyu, Gloria Kabare, Henry Llewellyn, Chukwuyem Ekhator, Margreth Magambo, Lawrence Osei‐Tutu, Minda Okemwa, Arsène Daniel Nyalundja, Claire Karekezi, Bernard Petershie, Victoria Mwebe Katasi, Jeanette E. Eckel-Passow, Gaspar J. Kitange, Kabir Badmos, Elias Edrick, Kashaigili Heronima, BTCA
article en

Abstract

Background Brain tumors represent a significant global health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality impacting individuals worldwide and contributing to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. In Africa, this burden is exacerbated by limited access to advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and multi-disciplinary care, compounded by the absence of standardized cancer registration and tumor biobanking. The introduction of molecular diagnostics, as outlined in the 2021 WHO CNS tumor classification, adds complexity to brain tumor management, particularly in regions with scarce resources. Methods To address these issues, the Brain Tumor Consortium for Africa (BTCA) was established in 2023, bringing together experts to improve CNS tumor diagnosis, patient care, and research. The initial project, conducted via an electronic questionnaire, aimed to assess neuro-oncology capacity across SSA. Results The study revealed significant gaps, with a limited number of institutions incorporating molecular subtyping into their diagnostic algorithms. The consortium’s efforts focus on enhancing local data use, informing public policy, and promoting collaboration to advance neuro-oncology practices in Africa. By fostering a network enlisting the expertise of collaborators in the field of neurosurgery, neurology, neuropathology, anatomic pathology, and medical and radiation oncology, the BTCA seeks to improve brain tumor management through better diagnostics, infrastructure and policy advocacy. Future directions include expanding molecular diagnostic capabilities, standardizing brain tumor biobanking, enhancing data collection, and advocating for improved brain tumor care in national health agendas. Conclusion The BTCA represents a pioneering model of collaboration and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of brain tumor care in Africa.

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