Posted on: Thu 06-03-2025

The fight against colorectal cancer in Nigeria is set to take another dimension as experts prepare to launch a clinical trial for revolutionary treatment.

The initiative, which involves collaboration between Nigerian and international medical researchers aims to introduce a drug that offers an alternative to conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

There have been concerns over the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in Nigeria and this clinical trial represents a significant step towards improving patient outcomes and access to life-saving treatments.

The Consultant General Surgeon at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Prof Olusegun Alatise, told The Guardian that the ongoing research by the African Research Group for Oncology is working towards a breakthrough.

Alatise disclosed that they are collaborating with Medserve to initiate a clinical trial using a promising drug supplied by a pharmaceutical company in Beijing. He noted that the drug has been proven to effectively treat colorectal cancer without the need for surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, and would be provided to Nigerian patients free of charge.

The surgeon assured the public that the drug, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other international regulatory bodies, is safe and does not pose any risk of genetic manipulation. He emphasised that the initiative aims to save lives and raise public awareness.

He atributed the lack of conclusive statistics on the disease to poor record-keeping but emphasised that available data indicate a significant increase in cases.

According to Alatise, colorectal cancer was previously a rare occurrence, with only one case reported monthly during his training as a surgeon. However, he revealed that in his current practice in Ile-Ife, two to three new cases are now seen every week. Extrapolating these numbers across the teaching hospitals, he estimated that at least 10,000 cases occur yearly, although he admitted this figure represents only a fraction of the total cases in the country.

He highlighted that Nigeria faces a unique challenge, as the type of colorectal cancer prevalent in the country differs from cases observed globally.

On concerns about counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, Alatise acknowledged the prevalence of fake medications but stated that stringent measures would be put in place to control drug distribution. He recounted how, early in his oncology career, prescribed drugs failed to produce the expected results until he discovered that patients had been using counterfeit versions.

He assured that steps would be taken to ensure that only genuine drugs reach those in need, allowing the effectiveness of the treatment to be accurately assessed.

Regarding the role of the government in combating colorectal cancer, Alatise urged authorities to take urgent action. He stressed the need for more affordable treatment options and an expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover cancer care.

Additionally, he called for increased investment in medical infrastructure, such as MRI and CT scan facilities, and the provision of endoscopy services to facilitate early diagnosis.

He also raised concerns about the exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria, describing it as a significant challenge to the country’s healthcare system.

He called on the government to implement policies that would encourage specialists to remain in the country by improving working conditions, providing adequate resources, and making the healthcare sector more attractive for professionals.

Expressing his dedication to practising in Nigeria, Alatise urged the government and stakeholders to take immediate action to address the rising cases of colorectal cancer. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Nigerians have access to effective and affordable treatment, stating that the country is on the verge of a significant medical breakthrough in cancer treatment.

A hepatobiliary surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr Peter Kingham, highlighted that ongoing studies in Nigeria aimed at improving early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer.

He disclosed that the first patient enrollment for the clinical trial is expected in the coming months, marking the first time such a prospective study will be conducted in sub-Saharan Africa.

He emphasised that the research has the potential to significantly change outcomes for approximately one-third of colorectal cancer patients.

The surgeon also pointed out that studies conducted in Nigeria have examined factors contributing to colorectal cancer, with findings indicating that the adoption of a westernised lifestyle including processed foods, a sedentary lifestyle, and weight gain, has played a role in increasing cancer risk.

Kingham stressed the importance of educating the public on dietary habits and lifestyle choices that can influence their cancer risk.

Highlighting the long-standing partnership between Memorial Sloan Kettering and Nigeria, he noted that their collaboration with ARGO has expanded to include 30 centres. The recent inclusion of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority-Lagos University Teaching Hospital (NSIA-LUTH) as a central hub in Lagos further strengthens access to immunotherapy for patients across the country.

The Director of NSIA-LUTH, Dr Lilian Ekpo, emphasised that despite the current economic challenges, cancer treatment at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre remains affordable. She explained that the treatment is subsidised compared to costs in the UK, US, or even India, making it accessible to many patients.

However, she identified late presentation as a major challenge in cancer treatment. Many patients do not seek medical attention early enough to receive proper treatment, which significantly impacts their chances of survival.

She stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce cancer risk, urging people to keep their weight down and remain physically active. She noted that ageing often leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, which increases cancer risk. Factors such as prolonged sitting, lack of exercise, and excessive weight gain contribute to obesity, which in turn raises cancer susceptibility.

A Radiation Oncologist at NSIA-LUTH, Prof Abayomi Durosinmi-Etti, lauded the work of local and international researchers, who have identified various factors contributing to colorectal cancer and developed innovative diagnostic methods.

He underscored the importance of early detection, stating that catching the disease in its early stages greatly improves survival rates. He also pointed to new techniques that simplify diagnosis, allowing for faster and more accurate identification of the disease without undergoing extensive testing.

Durosinmi-Etti stressed the need for a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, advocating for collaboration between radiation oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, and physicians.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

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