Syndicate Bio launched the pioneer Cancer Genome Study in Nigeria in partnership with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), the leading authority on cancer research, treatment, and control in Nigeria. This landmark study will commence with a pilot involving 120 participants from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, targeting five prevalent cancer types—
The primary goal is to identify driver mutations guiding the selection of targeted therapeutics for these cancers. By delivering Next-generation sequencing tests and conducting this study in real-time, participants will obtain prompt genetic sequencing reports for incorporation into their clinical care. Consequently, this study will act as a fundamental step in integrating genomics and precision medicine into Nigeria's cancer care framework, gaining insights into the drivers of cancer in Nigerian patients.Although the scale of this pilot does not encompass the vast Nigerian population of over 200 million, it marks a significant leap in our quest to tailor cancer treatments to the genetic makeup of the Nigerian populace.
Nigeria has witnessed a significant increase in cancer incidence, presenting a substantial public health challenge. With a population of more than 227 million people, Nigeria reported 127,763 new cases of cancer and 79,542 deaths from the disease in 2022. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Nigeria, followed by liver cancer and prostate cancer. The high mortality rates result from limited healthcare resources, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and low awareness about cancer prevention, leading to late-stage diagnoses and the subsequent reliance on untargeted therapies.The significance of this study lies in its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment in Nigeria. By leveraging cutting-edge genomic analysis, we aim to uncover the genetic underpinnings of the most common cancers in Nigeria, thereby facilitating the development of early detection and personalized treatment strategies. This approach improves therapy efficacy and reduces adverse effects linked to generic treatment approaches.
The Nigeria Cancer Genome Study promises an invaluable contribution to global oncology by offering unique insights from Africa's diverse population. The insights from this study will inform future research and development initiatives and pave the way for novel drug discoveries and advanced clinical trials within Nigeria and Africa at large.
Our collaboration with NICRAT highlights a shared commitment to advancing cancer research and treatment through innovation in Nigeria. By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to provide immediate benefits to patients through timely genetic reporting and lay the groundwork for scalable precision medicine solutions that can reach more Nigerians and Africans in the years to come.
While the Nigeria Cancer Genome Study is just the beginning, its implications for the future of cancer care in Nigeria and the potential to set new standards in genomic research are immense. Through this pilot, we set the stage for expanding our study to encompass a wider array of cancers and a larger participant base, ultimately striving for a future where every cancer treatment in Nigeria is informed by precision medicine.
