Cancer control collaborations between China and African countries.

Over the past decade, China has emerged as Africa's largest trade partner and source of foreign direct investment, with public health ranked as a top priority in China-Africa collaborations. During the same period, cancer has emerged as a leading cause of death in Africa, with more than 700 000 deaths per year and projections of more than 1 million deaths per year by 2030. In this Review, we explore the effects of increasing China-Africa collaborations on cancer control in Africa. We review the published literature on health-care assistance, research, education and training, and infrastructure and present the results of an institutional review board-approved survey of African oncology health-care professionals and institutional leaders that assessed their perception of the effects of China-Africa collaborations. From peer-reviewed articles and grey literature, we found that the number of China-Africa collaborations have grown substantially over the past decade in different areas, especially in patient care and infrastructure. Research publications have also surged in quantity in the past decade compared with previous years. However, the survey results suggest research collaborations remain infrequent and that medical professionals in African cancer centres rarely participate in direct research collaborations with Chinese institutions. The Review also highlights the challenges and benefits of increasing China-Africa collaborations. Challenges include insufficient monitoring and evaluation of the projects in Africa and poor coordination and alignment of the various initiatives. The benefits of these collaborations for Africa include improved health outcomes, strengthened health systems, and socioeconomic development. Benefits are also apparent for China, such as securing energy and resource supplies, expanded trade and investment opportunities, and improved diplomatic relations. Overall, China-Africa collaborations are increasing and having a substantial effect in both China and the African continent. Recommendations to minimise the challenges and maximise the benefits for more positive consequences on cancer control in Africa are discussed.

Mapping of Radiation Oncology and Gynecologic Oncology Services Available to Treat the Growing Burden of Cervical Cancer in Africa.

PURPOSE: To meet the demand for cervical cancer care in Africa, access to surgical and radiation therapy services needs to be understood. We thus mapped the availability of gynecologic and radiation therapy equipment and staffing for treating cervical cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We collected data on gynecologic and radiation oncology staffing, equipment, and infrastructure capacities across Africa. Data was obtained from February to July 2021 through collaboration with international partners using Research Electronic Data Capture. Cancer incidence was taken from the International Agency for Research on Cancer's GLOBOCAN 2020 database. Treatment capacity, including the numbers of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, physicists, gynecologic oncologists, and hospitals performing gynecologic surgeries, was calculated per 1000 cervical cancer cases. Adequate capacity was defined as 2 radiation oncologists and 2 gynecologic oncologists per 1000 cervical cancer cases. RESULTS: Forty-three of 54 African countries (79.6%) responded, and data were not reported for 11 countries (20.4%). Respondents from 31 countries (57.4%) reported access to specialist gynecologic oncology services, but staffing was adequate in only 11 countries (20.4%). Six countries (11%) reported that generalist obstetrician-gynecologists perform radical hysterectomies. Radiation oncologist access was available in 39 countries (72.2%), but staffing was adequate in only 16 countries (29.6%). Six countries (11%) had adequate staffing for both gynecologic and radiation oncology; 7 countries (13%) had no radiation or gynecologic oncologists. Access to external beam radiation therapy was available in 31 countries (57.4%), and access to brachytherapy was available in 25 countries (46.3%). The number of countries with training programs in gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, medical physics, and radiation therapy were 14 (26%), 16 (30%), 11 (20%), and 17 (31%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We identified areas needing comprehensive cervical cancer care infrastructure, human resources, and training programs. There are major gaps in access to radiation oncologists and trained gynecologic oncologists in Africa.

Africa Guidelines for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Buildup Process.

PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the fourth most common cancer in Africa, has a dismal overall survival of only 3 months like in sub-Saharan Africa. This is affected by the low gross domestic product and human development index, absence of coherent guidelines, and other factors. METHODS: An open forum for HCC-experienced health care workers from Africa and the rest of the world was held in October 2021. Participants completed a survey to help assess the real-life access to screening, diagnoses, and treatment in the North and Southern Africa (NS), East and West Africa (EW), Central Africa (C), and the rest of the world. RESULTS: Of 461 participants from all relevant subspecialties, 372 were from Africa. Most African participants provided hepatitis B vaccination and treatment for hepatitis B and C. More than half of the participants use serum alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound for surveillance. Only 20% reported using image-guided diagnostic liver biopsy. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer is the most used staging system (52%). Liver transplant is available for only 28% of NS and 3% EW. C reported a significantly lower availability of resection. Availability of local therapy ranged from 94% in NS to 62% in C. Sorafenib is the most commonly used systemic therapy (66%). Only 12.9% reported access to other medications including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Besides 42% access to regorafenib in NS, second-line treatments were not provided. CONCLUSION: Similarities and differences in the care for patients with HCC in Africa are reported. This reconfirms the major gaps in access and availability especially in C and marginally less so in EW. This is a call for concerted multidisciplinary efforts to achieve and sustain a reduction in incidence and mortality from HCC in Africa.

Characterizing HIV status documentation among cancer patients at regional cancer centers in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: In East and Southern Africa, people with HIV (PWH) experience worse cancer-related outcomes and are at higher risk of developing certain cancers. Siloed care delivery pathways pose a substantial barrier to co-management of HIV and cancer care delivery. METHODS: We conducted cross-sectional studies of adult cancer patients at public radiotherapy and oncology units in Malawi (Kamuzu Central Hospital), Zimbabwe (Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals), and South Africa (Charlotte Maxeke Hospital) between 2018 and 2019. We abstracted cancer- and HIV-related data from new cancer patient records and used Poisson regression with robust variance to identify patient characteristics associated with HIV documentation. RESULTS: We included 1,648 records from Malawi (median age 46 years), 1,044 records from South Africa (median age 55 years), and 1,135 records from Zimbabwe (median age 52 years). Records from all three sites were predominately from female patients; the most common cancers were cervical (Malawi [29%] and Zimbabwe [43%]) and breast (South Africa [87%]). HIV status was documented in 22% of cancer records from Malawi, 92% from South Africa, and 86% from Zimbabwe. Patients with infection-related cancers were more likely to have HIV status documented in Malawi (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-2.38) and Zimbabwe (aPR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.10-1.22). Patients aged ≥ 60 years were less likely to have HIV status documented (Malawi: aPR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.87; Zimbabwe: aPR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.72-0.81) than patients under age 40 years. Patient age and cancer type were not associated with HIV status documentation in South Africa. CONCLUSION: Different cancer centers have different gaps in HIV status documentation and will require tailored strategies to improve processes for ascertaining and recording HIV-related information in cancer records. Further research by our consortium to identify opportunities for integrating HIV and cancer care delivery is underway.

Characterizing HIV status documentation among cancer patients at regional cancer centers in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Introduction: In East and Southern Africa, people with HIV (PWH) experience worse cancer-related outcomes and are at higher risk of developing certain cancers. Siloed care delivery pathways pose a substantial barrier to co-management of HIV and cancer care delivery. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional studies of adult cancer patients at public radiotherapy and oncology units in Malawi (Kamuzu Central Hospital), Zimbabwe (Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals), and South Africa (Charlotte Maxeke Hospital) between 2018-2019. We abstracted cancer- and HIV-related data from new cancer patient records and used Poisson regression with robust variance to identify patient characteristics associated with HIV documentation. Results: We included 1,648 records from Malawi (median age 46 years), 1,044 records from South Africa (median age 55 years), and 1,135 records from Zimbabwe (median age 52 years). Records from all three sites were predominately from female patients; the most common cancers were cervical (Malawi [29%] and Zimbabwe [43%]) and breast (South Africa [87%]). HIV status was documented in 22% of cancer records from Malawi, 92% from South Africa, and 86% from Zimbabwe. Patients with infection-related cancers were more likely to have HIV status documented in Malawi (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-2.38) and Zimbabwe (aPR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.10-1.22). Patients aged ≥60 years were less likely to have HIV status documented (Malawi: aPR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.87; Zimbabwe: aPR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.72-0.81) than patients under age 40 years. Patient age and cancer type were not associated with HIV status documentation in South Africa. Conclusion: Different cancer centers have different gaps in HIV status documentation and will require tailored strategies to improve processes for ascertaining and recording HIV-related information in cancer records. Further research by our consortium to identify opportunities for integrating HIV and cancer care delivery is underway.

A Multi-Institutional Study of Barriers to Cervical Cancer Care in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Purpose: The global rise in cancer incidence has been accompanied by disproportionately high morbidity and mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries. Many patients who are offered potentially curative treatment for cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries never return to start treatment for reasons that are poorly documented and little understood. We investigated the interplay of sociodemographic, financial, and geographic factors as barriers to care among such patients in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Methods and Materials: Patients seen in consultation between 2019 and 2021 who were >3 months late for an appointment to initiate definitive treatment were contacted via telephone and invited to complete a survey. Afterward, an intervention connected patients with resources and counseling to return for treatment. Follow-up data were collected 3 months later to ascertain the outcomes of the intervention. Fisher exact tests analyzed the relationship between the putative number and types of barriers and demographics. Results: We recruited 40 women who initially presented for oncology care but did not return for treatment at [Princess Marina Hospital] in Botswana (n = 20) and [Parirenyatwa General Hospital] in Zimbabwe (n = 20) to complete the survey. Overall, married women experienced more barriers than unmarried women (P < .001), and unemployed women were 10 times more likely to report a financial barrier than employed women (P = .02). In Zimbabwe, financial barriers and belief-associated barriers (eg, fear of treatment) were reported. In Botswana, many patients noted scheduling obstacles associated with administrative delays and COVID-19. At follow-up, 16 Botswana patients and 4 Zimbabwe patients had returned for treatment. Conclusions: Financial and belief barriers identified in Zimbabwe showcase the importance of targeting cost and health literacy to reduce apprehensions. In Botswana, administrative challenges could be addressed with patient navigation. Improving our understanding of the specific barriers to cancer care could enable us to help patients who might otherwise default.

Pharmacogenetics and Adverse Events in the Use of Fluoropyrimidine in a Cohort of Cancer Patients on Standard of Care Treatment in Zimbabwe.

Fluoropyrimidines are commonly used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. They are, however, associated with adverse events (AEs), of which gastrointestinal, myelosuppression and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia are the most common. Clinical guidelines are used for fluoropyrimidine dosing based on dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) genetic polymorphism and have been shown to reduce these AEs in patients of European ancestry. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the clinical applicability of these guidelines in a cohort of cancer patients on fluoropyrimidine standard of care treatment in Zimbabwe. DNA was extracted from whole blood and used for DPYD genotyping. Adverse events were monitored for six months using the Common Terminology Criteria for AEs (CTCAE) v.5.0. None of the 150 genotyped patients was a carrier of any of the pathogenic variants (DPYD*2A, DPYD*13, rs67376798, or rs75017182). However, severe AEs were high (36%) compared to those reported in the literature from other populations. There was a statistically significant association between BSA (p = 0.0074) and BMI (p = 0.0001) with severe global AEs. This study has shown the absence of the currently known actionable DPYD variants in the Zimbabwean cancer patient cohort. Therefore, the current pathogenic variants in the guidelines might not be feasible for all populations hence the call for modification of the current DPYD guidelines to include minority populations for the benefit of all diverse patients.

Enhancing information on stage at diagnosis of cancer in Africa.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Stage at diagnosis is an important metric in treatment and prognosis of cancer, and also in planning and evaluation of cancer control. For the latter purposes, the data source is the population-based cancer registry (PBCR), but, although stage is usually among the variables collected by cancer registries, it is often missing, especially in low-income settings. Essential TNM has been introduced to facilitate abstraction of stage data by cancer registry personnel, but the accuracy with which they can do so is unknown. METHODS: 51 cancer registrars from 20 countries of sub-Saharan Africa (13 anglophone, 7 francophone) were tasked with abstracting stage at diagnosis, using Essential TNM, from scanned extracts of case. The panel comprised 28 records of each of 8 common cancer types, and the participants chose how many to attempt (between 48 and 128). Stage group (I-IV), derived from the eTNM elements that they assigned to each cancer, was compared with a gold standard, as decided by two expert clinicians. RESULTS: The registrars assigned the correct stage (I-IV) in between 60 and 80% of cases, with the lowest values for ovary, and the highest for oesophagus. The weighted kappa statistic suggested a moderate level of agreement between participant and expert (0.41-0.60) for 5 cancers, and substantial agreement (0.61-0.80) for three, with the best for cervix, large bowel, oesophagus and ovary, and the worst (weighted kappa 0.46) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). For all except NHL, early stage (I/II) and late stage (III/IV) was correctly identified in 80% or more of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: A single training in staging using Essential TNM resulted in an accuracy that was not much inferior to what has been observed in clinical situations in high income settings. Nevertheless, some lessons were learned on how to improve both the guidelines for staging, and the training course.

Competency-Based Workforce Development and Education in Global Oncology.

The healthcare workforce plays a pivotal role in cancer care delivery, leadership, policy, education, and research in complex cancer systems. To ensure quality and relevance, health professionals must have the necessary competencies to deliver patient-centered and efficient care, coupled with the ability to work in teams and manage health resources wisely. This paper aims to review the concept of competency-based medical education (CBME) in the context of oncology to provide insights and guidance for those interested in adopting or adapting competency-based education in training programs. The results of a scoping review of CBME in oncology are presented here to describe the current status of CBME in oncology. The literature describing the implementation and evaluation of CBME in oncology training programs for medical professionals internationally is summarized and key themes identified to provide practical guidance for educators. Further, the paper identifies critical competencies for oncology education and training globally and presents recommendations and opportunities for collaboration in competency-based education and training in oncology. The authors argue for increased global collaboration and networking in the realm of CBME to facilitate the establishment of a competent global cancer care workforce.

Cardiotoxicity and pharmacogenetics of doxorubicin in black Zimbabwean breast cancer patients.

AIMS: Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) is a significant cause of mortality in cancer care. This study was conducted to establish the frequency of DIC in Zimbabwean breast cancer patients on doxorubicin and to test the DIC predictive power of genetic biomarkers. METHODS: A cohort of 50 Zimbabwean breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin were followed up for 12 months with serial echocardiography and genotyped for UGTA1A6*4, SLC28A3 and RARG. Eleven per cent of the patients experienced DIC. RESULTS: The frequencies of SLC28A3 (rs7853758), UGT1A6*4 (rs17863783) and RARG (rs2229774) were 60.7%, 17.9% and 14.3%, respectively. No association between DIC and the three variants was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on the prevalence of DIC and associated genetic biomarker predictive evaluation in Zimbabwean breast cancer patients. The genetic frequencies observed in our study were different to those reported in other populations. A larger sample size with a longer follow-up time will be necessary in future studies.

Quality Assurance in Clinical Trials Requiring Radiation Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

PURPOSE: Given the increasing availability of radiation therapy in sub-Saharan Africa, clinical trials that include radiation therapy are likely to grow. Ensuring appropriate delivery of radiation therapy through rigorous quality assurance is an important component of clinical trial execution. We reviewed the process for credentialing radiation therapy sites and radiation therapy quality assurance through the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) Houston Quality Assurance Center for AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC)-081, a multicenter study of cisplatin and radiation therapy for women with locally advanced cervical cancer living with HIV, conducted by the AIDS Malignancy Consortium at 2 sites in South Africa and Zimbabwe. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Women living with HIV with newly diagnosed stage IB2, IIA (>4 cm), IIB-IVA cervical carcinoma (per the 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] staging classifications) were enrolled in AMC-081. They received 3-dimensional conformal external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to the pelvis (41.4-45 Gy) using a linear accelerator, high-dose-rate brachytherapy (6-9 Gy to point A with each fraction and up to 4 fractions), and concurrent weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2). IROC reviewed EBRT and brachytherapy quality assurance records after treatment. RESULTS: All of the 38 women enrolled in AMC-081 received ±5% of the protocol-specified prescribed dose of EBRT. Geometry of brachytherapy applicator placement was scored as per protocol in all implants. Doses to points A and B, International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) bladder, or ICRU rectum required correction by IROC in >50% of the implants. In the final evaluation, 58% of participants (n = 22) were treated per protocol, 40% (n = 15) had minor protocol deviations, and 3% (n = 1) had major protocol deviations. No records were received within 60 days of treatment completion as requested in the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Major radiation therapy deviations were low, but timely submission of radiation therapy data did not occur. Future studies, especially those that include specialized radiation therapy techniques such as stereotactic or intensity-modulated radiation therapy, will require pathways to ensure timely and adequate quality assurance.

Metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk for Zimbabwean men with prostate cancer receiving long-term androgen deprivation therapy.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the majority of sub-Saharan Africa region countries. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is effective treatment, however ADT is associated with complications including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Although cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality among prostate cancer patients, there is limited information on ADT impact on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk among Africans. An observational prospective cohort study was carried out in Harare, Zimbabwe. Prostate cancer patients due to be initiated on ADT (medical or surgical) were assessed for metabolic syndrome and a 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) 10-year risk probability score was done before ADT and followed up to 9 months. Results: 17 black Zimbabwean men were enrolled with a median age 72 years. Most participants (59%) had stage IV disease and 75% opted for surgical castration. At enrolment 23.5% had metabolic syndrome and this increased to 33% after 9 months of ADT. Baseline ASCVD risk was in the high risk category for 68.8% of participants and remained above 50% after 9 months of ADT. In this cohort, there is a 10% absolute increase in metabolic syndrome prevalence amongst African men with prostate cancer within 9 months of ADT initiation.

Cancer research across Africa: a comparative bibliometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Research is a critical pillar in national cancer control planning. However, there is a dearth of evidence for countries to implement affordable strategies. The WHO and various Commissions have recommended developing stakeholder-based needs assessments based on objective data to generate evidence to inform national and regional prioritisation of cancer research needs and goals. METHODOLOGY: Bibliometric algorithms (macros) were developed and validated to assess cancer research outputs of all 54 African countries over a 12-year period (2009-2020). Subanalysis included collaboration patterns, site and domain-specific focus of research and understanding authorship dynamics by both position and sex. Detailed subanalysis was performed to understand multiple impact metrics and context relative outputs in comparison with the disease burden as well as the application of a funding thesaurus to determine funding resources. RESULTS: African countries in total published 23 679 cancer research papers over the 12-year period (2009-2020) with the fractional African contribution totalling 16 201 papers and the remaining 7478 from authors from out with the continent. The total number of papers increased rapidly with time, with an annual growth rate of 15%. The 49 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries together published just 5281 papers, of which South Africa's contribution was 2206 (42% of the SSA total, 14% of all Africa) and Nigeria's contribution was 997 (19% of the SSA total, 4% of all Africa). Cancer research accounted for 7.9% of all African biomedical research outputs (African research in infectious diseases was 5.1 times than that of cancer research). Research outputs that are proportionally low relative to their burden across Africa are paediatric, cervical, oesophageal and prostate cancer. African research mirrored that of Western countries in terms of its focus on discovery science and pharmaceutical research. The percentages of female researchers in Africa were comparable with those elsewhere, but only in North African and some Anglophone countries. CONCLUSIONS: There is an imbalance in relevant local research generation on the continent and cancer control efforts. The recommendations articulated in our five-point plan arising from these data are broadly focused on structural changes, for example, overt inclusion of research into national cancer control planning and financial, for example, for countries to spend 10% of a notional 1% gross domestic expenditure on research and development on cancer.

Choosing Wisely Africa: Insights from the front lines of clinical care.

BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary Task Force of African oncologists and patient representatives published the Choosing Wisely Africa (CWA) recommendations in 2020. These top 10 recommendations identify low-value, unnecessary, or harmful practices that are frequently used in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this study, we describe agreement and concordance with the recommendations from front-line oncologists across SSA. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to members of the African Organization for Research & Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and oncology groups within SSA using a hierarchical snowball method; each primary contact distributed the survey through their personal networks. The survey captured information about awareness of the CWA list, agreement with recommendations, and concordance with clinical practice. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize study results. RESULTS: 52 individuals responded to the survey; 64% (33/52) were female and 58% (30/52) were clinical oncologists. Respondents represented 15 countries in SSA; 69% (36/52) practiced exclusively in the public system. Only 46% (24/52) were aware of the CWA list and 89% (46/52) agreed it would be helpful if the list was displayed in their clinic. There was generally a high agreement with the recommendations (range 84-98%); the highest agreement was related to staging/defining treatment intent (98%). The proportion of oncologists who implemented these recommendations in routine practice was somewhat lower (range 68-100%). Lowest rates of concordance related to: the use of shorter schedules of radiotherapy (67%); discussion of active surveillance forlow-risk prostate cancer (67%); only performing breast surgery for a mass that was proven to be malignant (70%); and seeking multidisciplinary input for curative intent treatment plans (73%). CONCLUSION: While most frontline SSA oncologists agree with CWA recommendations, efforts are needed to disseminate the list. Agreement with the recommendations is high but there are gaps in implementation in routine practice. Further work is needed to understand the barriers and enablers of implementation.

Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.

Patterns of Palliative Radiotherapy Utilization for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe.

PURPOSE: In sub-Saharan Africa, radiotherapy (RT) utilization and delivery patterns have not been extensively studied in patients with metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of female patients with metastatic breast cancer seen at Parirenyatwa Radiotherapy Centre in Zimbabwe from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. Demographics, pathology, staging, and treatment data were abstracted through chart review. Fisher's exact test and chi-squared test of independence were used to compare proportions, and independent two-sample t-tests were used to compare means. RESULTS: Of 351 patients with breast cancer, 152 (43%) had metastatic disease, median age 51 years (interquartile range: 43-61 years). Of those with metastatic disease, 30 patients (20%) received radiation to various metastatic sites: 16 spine; three nonspine bone metastases; six whole brain; and five chest wall or supraclavicular. Patients who received radiation were younger (46 v 52 years; P = .019), but did not differ significantly by performance status than those who did not. The most common dose prescription was 30 Gy in 10 fractions (33%). Five (17%) patients had treatment interruption and two (7%) had treatment noncompletion. Province of origin and clinical tumor stage were significant predictors of RT receipt (P = .002; and P = .018, respectively). CONCLUSION: A minority of patients with metastatic breast cancer received RT (20%), and these were likely to be younger, with advanced tumor stage, and resided in provinces where RT is available. Conventional courses were generally prescribed. There is a need to strongly consider palliative RT as an option for patients with metastatic breast cancer and use of hypofractionated courses (e.g. 8 Gy in one fraction) may support this goal.

Utilization and predictors of postmastectomy radiation receipt in an Oncology Center in Zimbabwe.

PURPOSE: Few sub-Saharan African studies have ascertained utilization for postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) for breast cancer, the second most common cancer among African women. We estimated PMRT utilization and identified predictors of PMRT receipt in Zimbabwe. METHODS: Retrospective patient cohort included non-metastatic breast cancer patients treated from 2014 to 2019. PMRT eligibility was assigned per NCCN guidelines. Patients receiving chemotherapy for non-metastatic disease were also included. The primary endpoint was receipt of PMRT, defined as chest wall with/without regional nodal radiation. Predictors of receiving PMRT were identified using logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated using the c statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow test for goodness-of-fit. RESULTS: 201 women with localized disease and median follow-up of 11.4 months (IQR 3.3-17.9) were analyzed. PMRT was indicated in 177 women and utilized in 59(33.3%). Insurance coverage, clinical nodal involvement, higher grade, positive margins, and hormone therapy receipt were associated with higher odds of PMRT receipt. In adjusted models, no hormone therapy (aOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.043, 0.35) and missing grade (aOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01, 0.38) were associated with lower odds of PMRT receipt. The resulting c statistic was 0.84, with Hosmer-Lemeshow p-value of 0.93 indicating good model fit. CONCLUSION: PMRT was utilized in 33% of those meeting NCCN criteria. Missing grade and no endocrine therapy receipt were associated with reduced likelihood of PMRT utilization. In addition to practice adjustments such as increasing hypofractionation and increasing patient access to standard oncologic testing at diagnosis could increase postmastectomy utilization.

The effect of non-AIDS-defining cancers on people living with HIV.

Non-AIDS-defining cancers are a growing source of morbidity for people with HIV globally. Although people living with HIV have a disproportionately increased risk of developing virally mediated cancers, cancer burden for common non-AIDS-defining cancers that are not virally associated and are linked to ageing, such as prostate cancer, is becoming higher than for virally mediated cancers. Ageing, behavioural, and HIV-specific factors drive the incidence and affect the outcomes of non-AIDS-defining cancers, presenting different challenges for addressing global morbidity and mortality from non-AIDS-defining cancer. Although large population-based studies have shown that people living with HIV with non-AIDS-defining cancers have poorer cancer outcomes than do people without HIV, current guidelines emphasise that people living with HIV with non-AIDS-defining cancers should receive standard, guideline-based treatment, and infectious disease and oncology providers should work closely to address potential drug interactions between antiretroviral therapy and antineoplastic treatment. Most trials target preventive measures focusing on non-AIDS-defining cancers. However, treatment trials for the optimal management of people living with HIV and non-AIDS-defining cancer, including interventions such as immunotherapies, are needed to improve non-AIDS-defining cancer outcomes.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Sub-Saharan Africa.

More than 80% of global hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are estimated to occur in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Eastern Asia. The most common risk factor of HCC in SSA is chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with the incidence highest in West Africa. HBV is highly endemic in SSA and is perpetuated by incomplete adherence to birth dose immunization, lack of longitudinal follow-up care, and impaired access to antiviral therapy. HBV may directly cause HCC through somatic genetic alterations or indirectly through altered liver function and liver cirrhosis. Other risk factors of HCC in SSA include aflatoxins and, to a lesser extent, African iron overload. HIV plus HBV co-infection increases the risk of developing HCC and is increasingly becoming more common because of improving the survival of patients with HIV infection. Compared with the rest of the world, patients with HCC in SSA have the lowest survival. This is partly due to the late presentation of HCC with advanced symptomatic disease as a result of underdeveloped surveillance practices. Moreover, access to care and resource limitations further limit outcomes for the patients who receive a diagnosis in SSA. There is a need for multipronged strategies to decrease the incidence of HCC and improve its outcomes in SSA.