Kaninjing, Ernest

AbstractBackgroundThrough whole‐exome sequencing of 60 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded Nigerian (NGRn) benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) samples, we identified germline and somatic alterations in apoptotic pathways impacting BPH development and progression. Prostate enlargement is a common occurrence in male aging; however, this enlargement can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. This impact is disproportionately present in men of African ancestry. BPH pathophysiology is poorly understood and studies examining non‐European populations are lacking.MethodsIn this study, NGRn BPH, normal prostate, and prostate cancer (PCa) tumor samples were sequenced and compared to characterize genetic alterations in NGRn BPH.ResultsTwo hundred and two nonbenign, ClinVar‐annotated germline variants were present in NGRn BPH samples. Six genes [BRCA1 (92%), HSD3B1 (85%), TP53 (37%), PMS2 (23%), BARD1 (20%), and BRCA2 (17%)] were altered in at least 10% of samples; however, compared to NGRn normal and tumor, the frequency of alterations in BPH samples showed no significant differences at the gene or variant level. BRCA2_rs11571831 and TP53_rs1042522 germline alterations had a statistically significant co‐occurrence interaction in BPH samples. In at least two BPH samples, 173 genes harbored somatic variants known to be clinically actionable. Three genes (COL18A1, KIF16B, and LRP1) showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) higher frequency in BPH. NGRn BPH also had five gene pairs (PKD1/KIAA0100, PKHD1/PKD1, DNAH9/LRP1B, NWD1/DCHS2, and TCERG1/LMTK2) with statistically significant co‐occurring interactions. Two hundred and seventy‐nine genes contained novel somatic variants in NGRn BPH. Three genes (CABP1, FKBP1C, and RP11‐595B24.2) had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) higher alteration frequency in NGRn BPH and three were significantly higher in NGRn tumor (CACNA1A, DMKN, and CACNA2D2). Pairwise Fisher's exact tests showed 14 gene pairs with statistically significant (p < 0.05) interactions and four interactions approaching significance (p < 0.10). Mutational patterns in NGRn BPH were similar to COSMIC (Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer) signatures associated with aging and dysfunctional DNA damage repair.ConclusionsNGRn BPH contained significant germline alteration interactions (BRCA2_rs11571831 and TP53_rs1042522) and increased somatic alteration frequencies (LMTK2, LRP1, COL18A1, CABP1, and FKBP1C) that impact apoptosis. Normal prostate development is maintained by balancing apoptotic and proliferative activity. Dysfunction in either mechanism can lead to abnormal prostate growth. This work is the first to examine genomic sequencing in NGRn BPH and provides data that fill known gaps in the understanding BPH and how it impacts men of African ancestry.

Abstract The CaPTC prostate cancer (CaP) Familial Cohort study (CaPFCS) was launched in 2017 to explore the CaP risk factors of African Black men (ABM). The study design is a prospective study that observes and follows healthy ABM and ABM diagnosed with CaP. Aim: The specific aim is to provide recommendations on statistical considerations for cohort studies focused on cancer disparities, based on lessons learned from the CaPTC CaPFCS. Methodology: Study participants were ABM in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the US. Using validated measures, data were collected mostly by self-administered or research assistant administered survey using paper survey (especially in Cameroon and Nigeria) with the responses transferred to REDCap by research coordinators. The statistical analysis for the CaPTC CaPFCS focused on the baseline epidemiological, behavioral, clinical and anthropometric measures of Black men. A total of 819 participants were included in the analyses. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics (sample median, range, frequency and percentages) and unadjusted logistic regression models. Results: Data collection for the CaPTC CaPFCS were by multiple investigators/research coordinators at multiple sites in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the US. In preparation for the data analyses, we noted data entry errors and/or misinterpretation of data entry, which required extensive cleaning of the database prior to the analyses. The biostatisticians spent significant effort cleaning and ensuring data validity prior to the analyses. Confounding variables is another statistical consideration for cohort studies, such as the CaPTC CaPFCS. There was variability observed across age, education levels, employment status, household income and CaP diagnosis based on country of residence. CaP diagnosis was not reported by any of the ABM in the US, which may be due to the fact that they were all recruited within the community and no recruitment took place in the clinic. Finally, the CaPTC CaPFCS has several variables. Performing a lot of statistical tests may result in false-positive findings at P&lt;0.05.Conclusion: The advantage of the CaPFCS is that it allows the CaPTC investigators to study epidemiological, behavioral, clinical and anthropometric variables associated with CaP over time. Being a longitudinal cohort study, investigators can track the changes in exposure and outcomes over time.However, statistical considerations need to be at the fore-front of multi-center, transatlantic cancer disparity studies such as the CaPTC CaPFCS, from data collection to data entry. The use of web-based survey with the ability to enter data directly into REDCaP will significantly reduce (if not totally eliminate) the need for database cleaning. There are multiple strategies that can be used to reduce confounder effect, including statistical adjustment and multivariate analysis to adjust for the confounders. The use of propensity score methods have especially been found to be effective in controlling baseline confounding factors. Citation Format: Daniel Lee, CaPTC Investigators, Jennifer Crook, Ruth Enuka, Fathi Parisa, Emeka Iweala Iweala, Oluwole Kukoyi, Ernest Kaninjing, Oluwaseyi Toye, Paul Jibrin, Folakemi Odedina. Importance of statistical considerations in multi-center, transatlantic cancer disparity studies: Lessons learned from the CaPTC prostate cancer familial cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C013.

Abstract Background: The increasing number of African immigrants in the United States has contributed to the diversity of the country's Black population. However, there is limited research on the impact of immigration, particularly regarding chronic diseases like cancer, within the sub-Saharan African immigrant (SSAI) community. To address this gap, this study aimed to explore cultural factors among SSAIs to better understand the drivers of health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Methods: A qualitative approach using grounded theory was employed for this study. Participants were purposefully recruited to reflect the cultural diversity among SSAIs. Recruitment occurred at health fairs, community events and by snowball approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 participants, including prostate cancer survivors. Nine participants have lived in the US for at least 10 years. The average age of participants was 51 years. Country of birth for study participants include, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Interviews were transcribed, verified, and de-identified then imported into NVivo 12 software. Four research team members, three of them African immigrants, performed open and axial coding, with consensus on the emerging findings. Results: This study identified several key cultural factors influencing SSAI men’s health behaviors. These factors include the perception of cancer in their country of birth, the low priority given to preventative care in their country of origin, and reluctance to embrace a Westernized diet, the perception of cancer in their country of origin as a death sentence, viewing cancer as a spiritual/religious attack, and associating cancer with affluence. In addition, these cultural factors made participants hesitant to discuss cancer, relying on religion for healing instead of medical care, and seeking healthcare only for cure. Conclusion: This study illuminates key cultural factors among SSAI men that influence their health-seeking behaviors. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored behavioral interventions to address these factors and improve health outcomes within this understudied population. Citation Format: Ernest Kaninjing, Motolani Ogunsanya, Kaitlin Van Voorhis, Gladys Asiedu, Assata Kokayi, Rae Walker Brennan, Mary Ellen Young, Folake Odedina. The influence of cultural factors on health-seeking behaviors regarding prostate cancer among African immigrant men in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A070.

Background Men of African ancestry experience higher burden from prostate cancer compared to men of other ancestral backgrounds. Limitations in the availability of high-quality biospecimens hinder the inclusion of this population in genetic studies of prostate cancer. The use of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues represent a potential rich source of genetic material particularly in some international settings, where fresh frozen tissue is difficult to obtain. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using FFPE biospecimens acquired from various international sites for utility in next-generation sequencing. Methods A total of 976 FFPE blocks were collected between 2002 and 2017 from six international sites in Africa and the Caribbean representing three consortia: Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium; African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium; and Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate. Genomic DNA was checked for quality and quantity. Differences in mean quality control (QC) for pre-and-post pathology training were assessed using t-test. Pearson chi-square with trend analysis examined association between time-category and QC success status. Association of continuous DNA quality (Q129/Q41 ratio) and time of specimen collection was estimated with linear regression. Samples with a DNA quantity >0.2µg and a Q129/Q41 ratio >0.00225 were submitted for whole exome sequencing (WES). Results There was a positive relative percentage change in DNA quantity from 2002 to 2017 for Jamaica, Kenya and Senegal. There was a decline in DNA quantity over the same time period for Nigeria. There was a statistically significant improvement in quality of samples from Kenya ( P =0.032), Nigeria ( P <.001) and Senegal ( P =0.043). There was a significant improvement in the collected DNA sample quality over time with an R 2 of 0.12. Conclusions FFPE samples from low-resource settings could potentially provide sufficient DNA for WES. Improvements in biospecimen collection processing and storage for research are needed in some of these settings.

Abstract Prostate cancer (CaP) significantly affects black men causing highermortality rates especially within African and Caribbean countries. The Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) is a 10 year longitudinal study aimed at studying environmental, epidemiological and prostate cancer associated risk factors within black men of West African descent living in the United States (US), Cameroon, and Nigeria. Methods: Men ages 35- 70 years old, who identified as a US Black male or West African Black male immigrant in the US, were recruited from community-based organizations. Community- based organizations include local churches, health fairs and socialorganizations. Anthropometric, environmental, and epidemiological variables measures were collected via survey questions. Saliva samples were collected using Salimetrics. Mean and range from the survey questions were categorized and a logistical regression model was used to determine associations between variables. Results: Logistical analysis output for analysis of pesticide exposure and cancer diagnosis within the three countries, found participants in Nigeria who were exposed to pesticide use, to be a significant predictor of cancer diagnosis (p 0.013). The age of exposure was another variable analyzed to see whether there was a correlation between age of exposure in pesticide use and cancer diagnosis. No significant predictors were determined yet a reasoning to why a significance is not yet found could be due to many participants needing a closer examination into the consequences of early exposure to known carcinogens. Conclusion: Significant data was found between pesticide exposure and cancer diagnosis between the US, Cameroon, and Nigeria in West African Black men. Regarding age of pesticide exposure and the relation between cancer diagnosis, more data needs to be collected regarding these variables. Significance in determining pesticide use as a predictor for cancer diagnosis in black males, can lead to increased efforts in pesticide exposure education in addition to possible government reformation on laws regarding pesticide use. Citation Format: Emelina Asto-Flores, Iweala Emeka, Popoola Ademola, Paul Jibrin, Mohammed Faruk, Anthonia Sowumi, Omolara Fatiregun, Nkegoum Blaise, Catherine Oladoyinbo, Ifeoma Okoye, Abdulkadir Ayo Salako, Abidemi Omonisi, Iya Eze Bassey, Kayode Adeniji, Nggada Haruna Asura, Ernest Kaninjing, Oluwole Kukoyi, Parisa Fathi, Ruth Enuka, Oluwaseyi Toye, Jennifer Crook, CaPTC Investigators, Folakemi Odedina. Impact of pesticide exposure in West African Black men within the United States, Cameroon, and Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1213.

Abstract Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer (CaP), with limited progress in closing the CaP care and survivorship gaps experienced by Black men compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Unfortunately, there is an uptick in CaP incidence rate in the United States (US) since 2014. As reported by the American Cancer Society, the rising CaP incidence rate indicates a shift towards higher grade and stage during diagnosis. The prostate cancer (CaP) disparities experienced by Black men in the US is a microcosm of the global burden of CaP seen in men of African ancestry. For example, the top ten countries leading CaP mortality in the world are all Black nations in Africa and the Caribbean. The complexity of CaP disparities and the need for a unique approach to better understand and address a complex chronic disease, such as CaP, underscores the need for consortium research that is multilevel, collaborative, translational, and global. Through the Department of Defense funding, we formed an inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) for Black Men Consortium to advance health equity and reduce disparities in CaP. Comprising CaP survivors, advocates, scientists, and clinicians, the iCCaRE for Black Men Consortium addresses structural, social and biological determinants of CaP among ethnically diverse Black men globally, including US Black men, West African immigrant men in the US and indigenous West African men. The overall goal of the iCCaRE consortium is to optimize CaP diagnosis experiences, treatment and survivorship based on the Science of Survivorship (SOS). Our central hypothesis is that improving social-determinants of health (SDOH) factors, CaP care and survivorship (CaPCaS)-related factors and mediating biological factors will lead to an improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This presentation will highlight the structural inequities, societal injustices and biological determinants found to be associated with CaP care and survivorship among Black men. Additionally, we will present the use of Community Living Lab (CoLLab) Health System approach to address inequity in minoritized and marginalized communities. Citation Format: Folakemi Odedina, Roxana Dronca, Kimlin Ashing, Ernest Kaninjing, Solomon Rotimi, Che Ngufor, Arnold Merriweather, iCCaRE Consortium. Science of prostate cancer care and survivorship in black men: Structural, social and biological determinants [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2023 Mar 15-18; Denver, Colorado. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(11 Suppl):Abstract nr IA007.

Abstract BACKGROUND Black populations are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer globally. The leading countries in prostate cancer mortality are found in Africa and the Caribbean. This data is being presented as part of the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) Prostate Cancer Familial Cohort Study of African Ancestry study with the purpose of identifying the various factors that influence prostate cancer risk factors. Access to care, a known cancer risk factor, not only affects a person’s ability to receive treatment but to receive accurate health information, preventative care, diagnoses, and more. Researching exactly how different social determinants, such as this one, affect cancer risk factors for specific populations is imperative to reducing their cancer burden. METHODS: This ten-year prospective study started in 2017 and has been conducted in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the United States. Participants have been recruited in clinics and different community settings. Upon consent, participants were asked to complete a validated survey with a unique identifier on epidemiological, behavioral, clinical, and anthropometric variables. They were then asked to provide a saliva sample that was also given a unique identifier. Associations of characteristics from the survey were evaluated using logistic regression models. Others were tested for statistical significance using a Chi-Squared test. RESULTS: A total of 803 responses are included in this dataset. Of these participants, 9.6% were from Cameroon, 82.6% from Nigeria, and 7.3% from the United States. More than half of the participants (54.9%) shared they did not have healthcare coverage. In addition, a chi-squared test showed 10.2% in the United States, 13.9% in Nigeria and 35.1% in Cameroon were unable to see a physician due to cost with a p-value of less than .001 indicating statistical significance. While participants in the United States did not report any cancer diagnoses, logistical regression found a significant inverse relationship between health literacy and increased risk of a cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION Research shows a relationship between health access factors and cancer risk factors, but little research is done for specific populations. Further research should be done to measure the exact impact access to care has on cancer diagnoses for specific communities. It is very important that health equity researchers assess exactly how these factors affect the specific populations they work with to tailor evidence-based interventions to their needs. Citation Format: Jessica Otero, Emeka Iweala, Ademola Popoola, Paul Jibrin, Mohammed Faruk, Anthonia Sowumi, Omolara Fatiregun, Nkegoum Blaise, Catherine Oladoyinbo, Ifeoma Okoye, Abdulkadir Ayo Salako, Abidemi Omonisi, Iya Eze Bassey, Kayode Adenji, Nggada Haruna Asura, Ernest Kaninjing, Oluwole Kukoyi, Parisa Fathi, Ruth Enuka, Oluwaseyi Toye, Jennifer Crook, Folakemi Odedina. Influence of access to care on cancer diagnoses in the CaPTC Prostate Cancer Familial Cohort Study of African Ancestry in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B072.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) has the goal of better understanding the burden of prostate cancer among Black men of West African descent. While prostate cancer disproportionately affects Blacks around the world, little research is done to understand what mental health and social support play a role in prostate cancer risk factors. The purpose of this 10-year longitudinal study is to establish a cohort of U.S.-born Black men, West African-born Black men who reside in the U.S, and West African Black men in Africa who would be prospectively and longitudinally followed to better understand the cause of prostate cancer and how different factors might influence it. METHODS Study staff partnered with community-based organizations, events, and stakeholders to engage with the priority population. Snowball sampling was also used for recruitment. All participants were made aware of the longitudinal nature of the study and that they would be contacted every two years for follow-up. Informed consent was done in community settings electronically and on paper. Once consent was received, participants completed the survey with a unique identifier and filled out a Cohort Contact sheet. They were given the option to complete this on their own or with the help of the study staff. Study Staff would then measure participants’ weight, height, and waistline, to be recorded on the survey form. After this, participant saliva was collected and tracked with the unique identifier. All collected data was stored on RedCap and a Chi-squared test was utilized to identify statistical significance. RESULTS 803 participants are included in this data with 77 in Cameroon, 663 in Nigeria, and 59 in the United States. When asked about emotional support, 13.6% (US) 11.8% (Nigeria), and 14.3% (Cameroon) indicated never or rarely having emotional support. 5.8% of those in the United States, 5.6% of those in Nigeria, and 7.8% of those in Cameroon felt dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their lives. The p-value for both was found to be &lt;0.001, therefore, suggesting statistical significance. On the other hand, participants described having an average of 6.53 (US), 9.4 (Nigeria), and 8.26% (Cameroon) days where their mental health was not good. However, this was statistically insignificant with a p-value of .95. CONCLUSION Mental health issues have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. While many people of color have stigmatized needing mental health help, it is important to find ways to overcome this barrier in assessing mental health and social support needs. Future research should continue to ask mental health and social support questions in order to assess their role in prostate cancer risk factors. Citation Format: Jessica Otero, Emeka Iweala, Ademola Popoola, Paul Jibrin, Mohammed Faruk, Anthonia Sowumi, Omolara Fatiregun, Nkegoum Blaise, Catherine Oladoyinbo, Ifeoma Okoye, Abdulkadir Ayo Salako, Abidemi Omonisi, Iya Eze Bassey, Kayode Adenji, Nggada Haruna Asura, Ernest Kaninjing, Oluwole Kukoyi, Parisa Fathi, Ruth Enuka, Oluwaseyi Toye, Jennifer Crook, Folakemi Odedina. Quality of life indicators including mental health factors in CaPTC prostate cancer familial cohort study of men of African Ancestry in Nigeria, Cameroon, and United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B073.

Abstract Background: The CaPTC prostate cancer (CaP) Familial Cohort study (CaPFCS) was launched in 2017 to explore the CaP risk factors of African Black men (ABM). The study design is a prospective study that observes and follows healthy ABM and ABM diagnosed with CaP. Aim: The specific aim is to provide recommendations on statistical considerations for cohort studies focused on cancer disparities, based on lessons learned from the CaPTC CaPFCS. Methodology: Study participants were ABM in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the US. Using validated measures, data were collected mostly by self-administered or research assistant administered survey using paper survey (especially in Cameroon and Nigeria) with the responses transferred to REDCap by research coordinators. The statistical analysis for the CaPTC CaPFCS focused on the baseline epidemiological, behavioral, clinical and anthropometric measures of Black men. A total of 819 participants were included in the analyses. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics (sample median, range, frequency and percentages) and unadjusted logistic regression models. Results: Data collection for the CaPTC CaPFCS were by multiple investigators/research coordinators at multiple sites in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the US. In preparation for the data analyses, we noted data entry errors and/or misinterpretation of data entry, which required extensive cleaning of the database prior to the analyses. The biostatisticians spent significant effort cleaning and ensuring data validity prior to the analyses. Confounding variables is another statistical consideration for cohort studies, such as the CaPTC CaPFCS. There was variability observed across age, education levels, employment status, household income and CaP diagnosis based on country of residence. CaP diagnosis was not reported by any of the ABM in the US, which may be due to the fact that they were all recruited within the community and no recruitment took place in the clinic. Finally, the CaPTC CaPFCS has several variables. Performing a lot of statistical tests may result in false-positive findings at P&lt;0.05. Conclusion: The advantage of the CaPFCS is that it allows the CaPTC investigators to study epidemiological, behavioral, clinical and anthropometric variables associated with CaP over time. Being a longitudinal cohort study, investigators can track the changes in exposure and outcomes over time.However, statistical considerations need to be at the fore-front of multi-center, transatlantic cancer disparity studies such as the CaPTC CaPFCS, from data collection to data entry. The use of web-based survey with the ability to enter data directly into REDCaP will significantly reduce (if not totally eliminate) the need for database cleaning. There are multiple strategies that can be used to reduce confounder effect, including statistical adjustment and multivariate analysis to adjust for the confounders. The use of propensity score methods have especially been found to be effective in controlling baseline confounding factors. Citation Format: Daniel Lee, Michael Heckman, Zhongwei Peng, Emeka Iweala, Ademola Popoola, Paul Jibrin, Mohammed Faruk, Anthonia Sowumi, Omolara Fatiregun, Nkegoum Blaise, Catherine Oladoyinbo, Ifeoma Okoye, Abdulkadir Ayo Salako, Abidemi Omonisi, Iya Eze Bassey, Kayode Adeniji, Nggada Haruna Asura, Ernest Kaninjing, Oluwole Kukoyi, Fathi Parisa, Ruth Enuka, Oluwaseyi Toye, Jennifer Crook, CaPTC Investigators, Folakemi Odedina. Importance of statistical considerations in multi-center, transatlantic cancer disparity studies: Lessons learned from the CaPTC prostate cancer familial cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C004.

Abstract Background: To date, the disparate burden of prostate cancer (CaP) in Black men (BM) is still poorly understood. More disconcerting is the limited access to effective, culturally tailored behavioral interventions to support BM diagnosed with CaP, especially at the point of prostate cancer diagnosis (PPCD). From the PPCD, the transition to CaP survivorship can be mentally and physically trying, especially for those lacking emotional and financial support. It is important to provide psycho-oncology support, address social determinants of health (SDOH) and make emotional support available to ethnically diverse BM at the PPCD. We are addressing the CaP disparities experienced by BM at the PPCD through the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) for Black Men Consortium. Aim: As part of the iCCaRE for Black men Consortium, the specific aim of our project is to develop a PPCD-based Augmented Reality (AR) intervention program, the iCCaRE PPCD Virtual Robot Assistant (ViRA). The ViRA is based on the established efficacy of six CaP care and survivorship (CaPCaS) video interventions, and will support BM at the PPCD. Methodology: The efficacy of six CaPCaS videos were established through formative research that included 17 BM in Florida. Based on pre- and post-test design, data were collected from participants using a structured survey tailored to each CaPCaS intervention: Prevention, Detection, Diagnosis, Treatment, Survivorship and Advocacy form. Following the efficacy study, the iCCaRE PPCD ViRA was proposed as one of five iCCaRE Science of Survivorship (S.O.S) projects to improve the quality of life of BM. Results: Most of the participants for the efficacy study reported that they were: US-born BM; married; college educated; earn less than $60,000; retired; have health insurance; have annual health examination; have a regular doctor; and were screened within the last year. The CaPCaS videos were found to be efficacious in improving attitude towards CaP screening, beliefs about CaP screening, perceived behavioral control and CaP knowledge. Participants also rated the quality of the videos high and expressed high satisfaction with the videos. We are currently in the development phase of the PPCD iCCaRE ViRA, which is based on behavioral science and health communications model. The ViRA will provide SDOH navigation services, psycho-oncology support and emotional support. The acceptance and usability of the iCCaRE ViRA will be established at urology clinics in Florida as part of the iCCaRE Consortium HEROICA Phase I study. We will test the central hypothesis that improving SDOH factors and CaPCaS-related factors will lead to an improvement in patient reported outcomes. Conclusion: We established the efficacy of the CaPCaS interventions in supporting BM across the CaP care continuum. The iCCaRE ViRA under development will target intervention at the PPCD and deliver a smart and connected personalized AR-enabled intervention system that will positively impact CaP diagnosis experience of BM. Citation Format: Folakemi Odedina, Che Ngufor, Arnold Merriweather, Deidre Pereira, Jennifer Crook, Fathi Parisa, Roxana Dronca, Ernest Kaninjing, Solomon Rotimi, Kimlin Ashing, Manisha Salinas, Sha’Reff Rashad, John McCall, Ebenezer Erefah, Ayinde Yahaya, Wes Sholes. A point of prostate cancer diagnosis (PPCD) Virtual Robot Assistant (ViRA) intervention for newly diagnosed Black men: An iCCaRE consortium for prostate cancer in Black men project [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B028.