Advancing oncology drug therapies for sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Cancer incidence is rising across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and is often characterized by late-stage presentation, early age of onset and poor survival. While a number of oncology drugs are now improving the length and quality of life for cancer patients in high-income countries, significant disparities in access to a range of oncology therapeutics exist for SSA. A number of challenges to drug access such as drug costs, lack of infrastructure and trained personnel must be urgently addressed to advance oncology therapies for SSA. We present a review of selected oncology drug therapies that are likely to benefit cancer patients with a focus on common malignancies in SSA. We collate available data from seminal clinical trials in high-income countries to highlight the potential for these therapeutics to improve cancer outcomes. In addition, we discuss the need to ensure access to drugs within the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and highlight therapeutics that require consideration. Available and active oncology clinical trials in the region is tabulated, demonstrating the significant gaps in access to oncology drug trials across much of the region. We issue an urgent call to action to address drug access due to the predicted rise in cancer burden in the region in coming years.

Screening and Testing for Homologous Recombination Repair Deficiency (HRD) in Breast Cancer: an Overview of the Current Global Landscape

“…Despite acknowledging significant barriers such as specimen acquisition, transport, and genotyping expenses, this study highlighted the potential for widespread BRCA testing in Africa [70]. However, access to essential systemic breast cancer treatments remains a challenge in many African countries [71,72]. Currently, there is a paucity of data regarding the availability of PARPis in African countries, however, given their high cost and difficult access to genetic testing, it is probable that access remains poor across the continent.…”