Dodoo, Christopher

PURPOSE Cancer care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is constrained by late diagnosis and limited treatment access. Few funding mechanisms support innovative, locally led programs to address these challenges. A collaborative initiative was developed to strengthen oncology care through quality improvement (QI) projects. MATERIALS AND METHODS The program was developed by Global Bridges Oncology (GBO) at Mayo Clinic, Pfizer Global Medical Grants, and the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer. A committee composed primarily of African oncology experts guided the process. An RFP was disseminated across SSA in English, French, and Portuguese, inviting applications to improve diagnostic and therapeutic cancer care. Applications underwent a structured, two-stage review, with GBO providing technical support, expert guidance, and training resources. RESULTS The RFP generated 218 applications reflecting strong demand for oncology QI funding in SSA. After review, 17 projects representing 10 African countries were selected and awarded $1.1 million USD. Funded initiatives reflected four themes: oncology training and clinical practice improvements, early detection and accurate diagnostics, pediatric cancer care, and oncology nursing and palliative medicine. As of March 2026, 11 (65%) of 17 projects are complete, with 4,565 health care professionals engaged through direct training, conference dissemination, system adoption, and sensitization activities, and program-supported services were delivered to more than 47,300 patients. CONCLUSION This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of a competitive, regionally guided grant program to strengthen cancer care capacity. Early implementation outcomes, including measurable improvements in diagnostic delay, treatment adherence, and care network expansion, confirm that locally led QI initiatives can generate meaningful results across diverse institutional settings. By centering African leadership and supporting diverse QI projects, it advances equitable access to funding, capacity building, and sustainability planning.

Objectives To comprehensively review the available literature on prehabilitation and rehabilitation exercise, nutrition, and psychological support interventions for patients with kidney cancer (KC), to summarise the clinically relevant efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of interventions, to expose key knowledge gaps, and to inform future investigations and initiatives. Methods This review was performed according to the per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews Guidelines. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing programmes of prehabilitation or rehabilitation, exercise, psychological support, or nutrition components in patients with KC or KC caregivers from January 2004 to March 2022. Statistically significant positive (SS+) and negative (SS−) results were summarised. Results The systematic search yielded 10 968 records including 18 RCTs, involving 2774 unique subjects, 706 of whom were KC patients/survivors. None included caregivers or assessed cost‐effectiveness. Two interventions were implemented before surgery, one was implemented prior to initiation of systemic therapy, eight were implemented during systemic or radiation therapy, three were implemented after treatment, while implementation time was not specified for four interventions. Conclusion Most (14/18) RCTs involving exercise, nutrition, psychological support, or prehabilitative or rehabilitative programmes for KC performed to date demonstrated SS+ results. The evidence was most robust regarding previously evaluated psychological support, especially mindfulness‐based interventions (9/10 studies demonstrating SS+ improvement in primary outcomes), followed by therapeutically valid exercise with/without psychological support (5/8 RCTs demonstrated efficacy), then nutrition or pharmacological interventions (2/5 demonstrated efficacy). Level 1 evidence supports counselling patients and referral to mindfulness‐based psychological therapy along with physical therapy or physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as consideration of preoperative carbohydrate drinks. No studies have examined impact on caregivers, or cost‐effectiveness, which are both critical areas for future study.

AbstractBackgroundPrevious publications have described the presence and severity of insomnia amongst those with persistent post‐traumatic headache (PPTH), but there has been a paucity of studies investigating insomnia during the acute phase of post‐traumatic headache (APTH). The primary study objective was to investigate insomnia symptoms and their severity in individuals with APTH due to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and the secondary objective was to assess how psychological factors, sensory hypersensitivities, headache burden, and cognitive performance might associate with insomnia.MethodsIn this clinic‐based, cross‐sectional study, 82 individuals with APTH due to mTBI and 82 healthy controls (HC) were included. Participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Trail Making Test (TMT A and B), 12‐item Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC‐12), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and a detailed headache characteristics questionnaire within 59 days of their mTBI to assess insomnia severity, psychological features, sensory hypersensitivities, headache symptoms, and cognitive performance. The questionnaire and test results were compared between APTH and HC groups. Within the APTH group, ISI scores were correlated with the other assessments to determine underlying clinical relationships.ResultsParticipants with APTH, evaluated an average of 27.2 days after their mTBI, had significantly higher ISI scores (median [interquartile range, IQR] score 12 [6–17]) compared to HC (0 [1.3–6], p < 0.001). Twenty‐four (29%) individuals with APTH had ISI scores categorized as moderate clinical insomnia compared to two (2%) in the HC group. Additionally, seven (9%) in the APTH group and none of the HC had ISI scores indicative of severe clinical insomnia. Those with APTH significantly differed from the HC on the BDI (median [IQR] score APTH: 9 [5–16.8] vs. HC: 2 [0–4]; p < 0.001), state anxiety (median [IQR] score APTH: 36.5 [26–45] vs. HC: 23 [20–27.5]; p < 0.001), trait anxiety (median [IQR] score APTH: 38 [27.3–46.8] vs. HC: 26 [23–30]; p < 0.001), photosensitivity (median [IQR] PAQ score APTH: 2 [1–4] vs. HC: 0 [0–1]; p < 0.001), allodynia (median [IQR] ASC‐12 score APTH: 2 [0–5.8] vs. HC: 0 [0–0], p < 0.001), hyperacusis (median [IQR] HQ score APTH: 15.5 [7–23] vs. HC: 4 [2.3–7], p < 0.001), and RAVLT‐delayed recall (median [IQR] score APTH: −0.8 [−1.5 to 0] vs. HC: −0.1 [−0.9 to 0.7], p = 0.019). For participants with APTH, the ISI was most significantly associated with the BDI (standardized regression coefficient (RC) [95% confidence interval, CI] 0.68 [0.52–0.84], p < 0.001), followed by state anxiety (RC [95% CI] 0.60 [0.42–0.78], p < 0.001), trait anxiety (RC [95% CI] 0.56 [0.37–0.74], p < 0.001), headache severity (RC [95% CI] 0.40 [0.19–0.60], p < 0.001), HQ (RC [95% CI] 0.36 [0.16–0.57], p = 0.001), and PAQ (RC [95% CI] 0.35 [0.15–0.56], p = 0.001).ConclusionsIndividuals with APTH have more symptoms of insomnia compared to HC with 38% of individuals with APTH experiencing moderate or severe insomnia symptoms. Insomnia symptoms may be associated with more severe depression, anxiety, photophobia, hyperacusis, headache severity, and cognitive impairment. To address the overall well‐being of patients with APTH, clinicians should screen for and appropriately manage insomnia along with other symptoms following mTBI.

e18017 Background: Head and neck (H&N) cancers affect the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, and sinuses. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the true burden of H&N cancers remains unclear, with available estimates suggesting approximately 47,000 new cases and 26,000 deaths annually. Limited cancer datasets hinder understanding of disease patterns and outcomes. This study explores patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes to guide regional cancer control efforts. Methods: A cancer dataset was created and implemented at 4 leading teaching hospitals in Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda to systematically collect data on patient demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment patterns. Established through competitive grant funding, the primary objective of the database was to assess the indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care. The dataset includes all cancer patients seen in consultation and/or treated between 2016 and 2023. In this study, a subset of patients diagnosed with H&N cancers was analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess clinical characteristics, treatments modalities, and patients' outcomes. Results: A total of 1,023 patients with H&N cancer were included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 54 yrs (IQR 41-66), with 37% (n= 374) of the cohort being female. A total of 55% (n= 549) had no health insurance coverage. Of those with staging data, majority presented with advanced disease (89%) on presentation. Regarding treatment modality, 16% (n= 157) underwent surgery, 27% (n=279) received radiotherapy (RT), 14% (n= 143) received chemotherapy (CT), and 56% (n= 572) received no cancer therapy. Of those who received CT the timing was neoadjuvant (12%), concurrent with RT (22%), adjuvant after surgery (8.9%) or as palliative treatment (57%). Platinum-based agents (94%) were the most common CT, followed by Taxol-based (31%), and 5FU-based agents (27%). Regarding RT, planning was performed using 2D (55%) and 3D (45%) techniques. The median delivered dose was 60 Gy in 30 fractions. At a median follow up of 43 months, 1.6% were disease free, 10% (n= 103) were alive, 5.9% (n= 60) were confirmed dead, and 84% (n= 848) were lost to follow up. Conclusions: This study identifies key challenges in managing H&N cancers in SSA, including late-stage presentation, limited access to advanced treatment modalities, and a high lost to follow-up rate (84%). The reliance on older RT techniques such as 2D planning and the limited use of surgery highlight gaps in infrastructure and resource availability. Limited health insurance coverage suggests potential financial barriers to care and disparities in treatment access. Addressing these challenges will require greater investment in cancer care, expansion of the oncology workforce, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure to support better patient outcomes in the region.

e17511 Background: Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. SSA has the highest global incidence and mortality rates, with an estimated 110,300 new cases and 76,700 deaths in 2020. Despite this burden, data on patient characteristics and treatment outcomes remain limited. This study aims to address these gaps by analyzing current treatment patterns and outcomes for cervical cancer in SSA. Methods: A cancer dataset was established at 4 major teaching hospitals in Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda to capture data on patient demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment modalities. The dataset encompasses all cancer patients seen between 2016-2023, with over 9,000 cases collected to date. The primary objective of the dataset was to assess impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care in SSA. This study conducted a retrospective analysis of cervical cancer cases within the dataset utilizing descriptive metrics. Results: A total of 2,326 patients were analyzed, with a median age at diagnosis of 56 y (48–65) and 53% having health insurance. The majority had squamous cell carcinoma (87%) and presented with locally advanced disease (FIGO stages IIB–IVA, 88%). Treatment primarily consisted of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT, 34%) or radiotherapy (RT) alone (30%), while smaller proportions received chemotherapy (CT) alone (1.2%) or surgery (1.3%). A total of 33% of patients received no cancer therapy. Among 1,524 patients treated with RT, 1,180 received external beam RT with a median dose of 46 Gy in 23 fractions, using 2D planning in 60% and 3D planning in 40% of cases. Additionally, 25 patients underwent brachytherapy, with 58% receiving low-dose-rate and 42% high-dose-rate treatments. Of 1,011 patients treated with CT, 85% (n=844) completed the intended course, with a median of 4 cycles, primarily delivered concurrently with RT (95%). Only a few received CT as adjuvant (4.8%), neoadjuvant (1.6%), or palliative (3.4%) therapy. Platinum-based regimens were most common, with 43% receiving platinum monotherapy and 5% receiving platinum-taxane combinations. By the end of treatment, 27% (n=633) achieved disease-free status. After a median follow-up of 47 months (range,37–55), 42% were alive, 7% had died, and 53% were lost to follow-up with unknown vital status. Conclusions: This study reveals significant challenges in management and follow-up of cervical cancer in SSA. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages, with 32% receiving no treatment and 53% of treated patients lost to follow-up. These findings highlight barriers to early diagnosis, treatment access, and continuity of care. Addressing these issues requires expanding early diagnostic services, increasing vaccination coverage, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and improving patient retention.

Abstract The study of prehabilitation and rehabilitation ([p]rehabilitation) to alleviate the sequelae of bladder cancer and its treatment has generated numerous opportunities to improve the quality of life of bladder cancer survivors. The authors conducted a scoping review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to identify knowledge gaps in and research directions for (p)rehabilitative support for those affected by bladder cancer. The authors systematically searched six databases and synthesized key findings from RCTs conducted from January 1, 2004, through March 15, 2022, that enrolled participants with bladder cancer, survivors, or caregivers in outpatient (p)rehabilitative programs (e.g., exercise, nutrition, or psychological support). Outcomes were characterized according to eight prespecified, clinically relevant categories. The search retrieved 10,968 records, 27 of which met the inclusion criteria, and 24 described unique RCTs with 2471 enrolled participants. Of 24 interventions, 17 (71%) yielded statistically significant results for the outcome of interest. Only one RCT included a cost‐effectiveness analysis, and only two characterized the efficacy of interventions for caregivers. Of 11 RCTs involving psychological support, eight yielded statistically significant results, as did nine of 11 RCTs with physical exercise interventions, three of four RCTs with educational interventions, three of four RCTs with nutritional support interventions, one of two RCTs with pharmacologic medications, and zero of one RCT with physical therapy. The most promising interventions for inclusion in multimodal, personalized (p)rehabilitation programs included exercise, stress management training, cognitive training, smoking and alcohol cessation counseling, immunonutrition, stoma education, and penile rehabilitation. Further studies of the cost effectiveness and efficacy for caregivers of such interventions are needed. Plain Language Summary In a scoping review of all randomized clinical trials involving prehabilitative or rehabilitative diet, exercise, and psychological support interventions for patients with bladder cancer, survivors, and their caregivers, 17 of 24 (71%) interventions yielded statistically significant improvements in the outcome of interest. Clinicians should consider implementing such interventions for those affected by bladder cancer.

Abstract Introduction Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common and potentially serious reproductive health condition that may require hospitalization for proper management. Accurate prediction of the length of stay (LOS) for PID hospitalizations can aid clinicians in resource allocation, patient counseling, and improving overall patient care. Prior studies have explored potential risk factors for a poor clinical course among women hospitalized with PID, but to our knowledge, no study to date has explored potential predictors of LOS in PID hospitalization. Objective This study aims to characterize the predictors for LOS in PID hospitalizations based on patient and hospital characteristics using a large national database. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried from 2019 to 2020 for all female patients 18 years and older with a primary diagnosis of acute pelvic inflammatory disease using ICD-10 codes. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and hospital-related variables were collected using variables as defined by NIS and summarized using descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariable associations between LOS and covariates were assessed using linear regression models and estimates were reported as regression coefficients. Covariates that were statistically significant in the bivariate models were included as covariates during the multivariate regression analysis. Results A total of 14,505 hospitalized female patients with a principal diagnosis code for acute PID were included. Mean LOS for PID hospitalization was 5.8 days, with a range of 0 – 88 days. The average patient age was 42.9 years (age range 18 – 90 years old), with 55.1% White, 23.4% Black, 12.5% Hispanic, and 2.3% Asian or Pacific Islander. The main primary payers included Medicaid (40.0%), private insurance (36.1%), Medicare (19.1%), and self-pay (4.7%). About 34% of patients were in the lowest quartile for median household income, 45% in the middle two quartiles, and 19% in the highest quartile. In univariable analysis, increased LOS was associated with increasing age, larger hospital bed size, urban teaching hospital status, and the presence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or immunodeficiency. Decreased LOS was associated with Hispanic or Native American race and having a non-Medicare primary payer. In multivariable analysis, increased LOS was associated with increasing age (+0.06 days per increasing year, p &lt; 0.0001) and large hospital bed size (+0.6 days compared to small bed size, p = 0.03). Decreased LOS was associated with Asian or Pacific Islander race (-1.1 days compared to White race, p = 0.02), Native American race (-1.4 days compared to White race, p = 0.03), and being billed as ‘no charge’ (-2.1 days compared to Medicare, p = 0.03). Conclusions This study identifies possible predictors of LOS in PID hospitalization, providing insights that may help optimize resource allocation and better characterize factors that may impact PID management. Several factors, including age, race, expected primary payer, and bed size of hospital were found to significantly impact LOS. Additionally, this study highlights the potential role of social determinants of health in PID hospitalization and management and can help guide future research and initiatives aimed at improving population health and addressing disparities in PID. Disclosure No.

Abstract Objective . An algorithm was developed for automated positioning of lattice points within volumetric modulated arc lattice radiation therapy (VMAT LRT) planning. These points are strategically placed within the gross tumor volume (GTV) to receive high doses, adhering to specific separation rules from adjacent organs at risk (OARs). The study goals included enhancing planning safety, consistency, and efficiency while emulating human performance. Approach . A Monte Carlo-based algorithm was designed to optimize the number and arrangement of lattice points within the GTV while considering placement constraints and objectives. These constraints encompassed minimum spacing between points, distance from OARs, and longitudinal separation along the z -axis. Additionally, the algorithm included an objective to permit, at the user’s discretion, solutions with more centrally placed lattice points within the GTV. To validate its effectiveness, the automated approach was compared with manually planned treatments for 24 previous patients. Prior to clinical implementation, a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was conducted to identify potential shortcomings. Main results. The automated program successfully met all placement constraints with an average execution time (over 24 plans) of 0.29 ±0.07 min per lattice point. The average lattice point density (# points per 100 c.c. of GTV) was similar for automated (0.725) compared to manual placement (0.704). The dosimetric differences between the automated and manual plans were minimal, with statistically significant differences in certain metrics like minimum dose (1.9% versus 1.4%), D5% (52.8% versus 49.4%), D95% (7.1% versus 6.2%), and Body-GTV V30% (20.7 c.c. versus 19.7 c.c.). Significance. This study underscores the feasibility of employing a straightforward Monte Carlo-based algorithm to automate the creation of spherical target structures for VMAT LRT planning. The automated method yields similar dose metrics, enhances inter-planner consistency for larger targets, and requires fewer resources and less time compared to manual placement. This approach holds promise for standardizing treatment planning in prospective patient trials and facilitating its adoption across centers seeking to implement VMAT LRT techniques.

Abstract Background Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) receptor and is approved for the preventative treatment of migraine in adults. CGRP is involved in the regulation of vasomotor tone under physiologic and pathologic conditions, including hypertension. While there has not been evidence of hypertension in preclinical models or clinical trials, post‐marketing data suggest erenumab may be associated with hypertension. This led to a warning in the United States Food and Drug Administration prescribing information for erenumab. Objective To determine the frequency of worsening blood pressure (BP) after initiation of erenumab in patients with migraine and how this is associated with hypertension. Methods This is an observational retrospective cohort study evaluating patients at a tertiary headache or neurology department. Systolic and diastolic BPs were compared between the initial visit prior to initiation of erenumab, and follow‐up visit while on erenumab. Worsening BP was defined as moving from a lower stage to a higher stage of BP, as defined by the American Heart Association. Serious adverse vascular events were also recorded. Results A total of 335 patients were included in the final analysis (mean [SD] age of 45.7 [14.40] years, 83.9% [281/335] female). At baseline, 20.9% (70/335) of patients had a prior diagnosis of hypertension. The median (interquartile range) time to follow‐up appointment from initial appointment was 20.5 (13.3–35.3) weeks. The mean (SD) BP at baseline was systolic 124.7 (15) mmHg and diastolic 77 (11) mmHg, and at follow‐up was systolic 124.0 (15) mmHg and diastolic 77.8 (9) mmHg. Overall, 23.3% (78/335) of all patients had worsening BP, whereas 13/225 (3.9%) patients had improvement in their BP. Patients with atrial fibrillation were more likely to develop worsening BP (odds ratio, 4.9, 95% confidence interval 1.12–21.4; p = 0.035). There was no association between worsening BP and pre‐existing hypertension, sex, body mass index, or age. One patient had non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction attributed to a hypertensive emergency while on erenumab. Conclusion We found that 23.3% of patients initiated on erenumab may have developed worsening BP, suggesting the need for BP monitoring in patients initiated on erenumab.