Posted on: Thu 05-03-2026

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in collaboration with the MedServe Cancer Center, has launched Nigeria’s first immunotherapy clinical trial for colorectal cancer, marking a major milestone in the country’s cancer research and treatment landscape.

Speaking during a press conference to announce the initiative, the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Wasiu Adeyemo, described the development as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s healthcare and research community.

“This launch represents the culmination of years of investment in infrastructure, training, and international collaboration. LUTH now has the expertise and systems required to conduct cutting-edge clinical research that meets global standards,” he said.

Adeyemo explained that the study is being conducted in partnership with the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), with international support from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the United States, which serves as the sponsor and data coordinating centre. Additional support is being provided by the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) and the Thompson Family Foundation.

Providing a scientific overview of the study, the Principal Investigator, Abdul Kareem Fatimah of LUTH’s Department of Molecular and Anatomic Pathology, highlighted the rising burden of colorectal cancer in Nigeria.

“Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting Nigerians, including younger patients. A significant proportion of our patients have the mismatch repair–deficient subtype, which responds poorly to conventional chemotherapy but has shown promising results with immunotherapy in international studies,” she explained.

According to her, the trial, titled “PD-1 Blockade in Mismatch Repair–Deficient Colorectal Cancer,” will enrol 40 adult patients.

“It is a pilot, open-label study involving patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who are treatment-naïve and patients with localized stage II or III rectal cancer,” she said.

Fatimah further explained that the treatment approach leverages the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

“Immunotherapy works by enabling the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The anti-PD-1 therapy removes the brake that prevents immune cells from destroying tumour cells. Participants will be carefully monitored using imaging, laboratory tests, and standardized assessment methods,” she noted.

Also speaking at the event, the Co-Principal Investigator and Director for the project at the MedServe Cancer Center, Eben Aje, emphasized that patient safety remains a key component of the study.

“While immunotherapy can cause side effects, they are generally manageable and often less severe than those associated with traditional chemotherapy. We have comprehensive safety protocols in place, and patient welfare remains our top priority,” he stated.

Aje added that the medication for the trial will be provided free of charge to participants, while all enrolled patients will be insured for the duration of the study.

The clinical trial has received ethical approval from the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria as well as the LUTH Health Research Ethics Committee, representing a significant step toward expanding access to innovative cancer treatments and strengthening Nigeria’s clinical research capacity.

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