Toye, Oluwaseyi

Abstract Black/African American populations, globally, bear the greatest prostate cancer (CaP) burden compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Addressing CaP disparities in Black men is complex, requiring a patient-centered, community-centric and comprehensive approach. This study integrates iCCaRE Consortium findings and broader literature to address unmet needs in survivorship care. The iCCaRE Consortium implemented five complementary pilot studies using mixed-methods designs, including feasibility trials, qualitative research, and observational analyses across the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. Descriptive statistics, subgroup analyses, and qualitative thematic analyses were performed across these studies. Collectively, projects addressed multilevel determinants including social, behavioral, and biological drivers of disparities. Project 1 implemented a Virtual Reality Assistant (ViRA) across clinical and community settings, with ongoing evaluation in pragmatic trials. Project 2 showed strong patient preference for home-based cancer care. Project 3 enrolled demonstrated trends toward improved health-related quality of life. Project 4 identified key themes influencing survivorship experiences. Project 5 identified biological mechanisms linking stress, immune modulation, and symptom burden. The iCCaRE pilot projects demonstrate the feasibility and early impact of a consortium-based, transdisciplinary approach to addressing CaP disparities in Black men. These findings highlight the importance of integrating patient-centered interventions, community engagement, and biological insights to inform scalable strategies aimed at improving survivorship outcomes and advancing health equity. The iCCaRE Consortium demonstrates that a transatlantic, patient-centered, and multidisciplinary approach integrating social, clinical, and biological factors can generate scalable strategies to improve survivorship outcomes and advance equity in CaP care for Black men.

Abstract Background: Black men across the African Diaspora experience a disproportionate burden of prostate cancer (CaP). The Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) Consortium aims to eliminate CaP burden through global scientific collaboration, innovative research, community-engaged interventions, and next-generation workforce development. The primary objective for this Consortium was to optimize CaP diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship through research, research training and education, community engagement and community outreach. The Consortium integrates digital health technologies, community navigation, precision communication and precision science. Methods: Five full projects and one pilot project were launched across partner institutions in North America and Africa. Supported by multiple cores and services, the research activities included (1) implementation of a Point of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Virtual Robot Assistant (PPCD-ViRA); (3) initiation of a cancer care at home trial; (4) migrant health studies of Caribbean and Sub-Saharan African immigrants; (5) expansion of genomic and metabolomic research; and (6) digital, psychosocial, and survivorship intervention development. Training and dissemination activities were deployed through iCCaRE TV, webinars, and community engagement programs including the Global Prostate Health Dialogue (Glo-PHD). Results: In one year, accomplishments included 45 presentations, 17 publications, 16 grant submissions, and 3 awards. The consortium delivered 408 live webinar engagements and reached more than 400 men globally through Glo-PHD. PPCD-ViRA was fully developed and prepared for clinical deployment (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mI-HS5R6sk). The African cohort expansion for genomic and metabolomic profiling was activated across several countries, with biospecimen collection underway. Media dissemination generated more than 15,000 views across platforms, including high-impact educational videos (see: www.youtube.com/@iCCaREConsortium). Training achievements included 13 early-career investigators and 7 trained prostate cancer advocates. Conclusions: In just one year, the iCCaRE Consortium Phase 2 made substantial progress toward transforming CaP equity globally. Through multidisciplinary science, digital innovation, and community partnerships, the consortium is building scalable infrastructure to address diagnosis experiences, treatment quality, and survivorship among Black men. Ongoing efforts will continue to advance precision medicine, culturally grounded interventions, and global capacity building. Citation Format: Folakemi T. Odedina, Arnold Merriweather, Roxana S. Dronca, Ernest T. Kaninjing, Solomon Rotimi, Gerardo Colon-Otero, Kimlin Ashing, Ademola A. Popoola, Gladys Asiedu, Opeyemi Bolajoko, Ewan COBRAN, Emelina Asto-Flores, Floyd Willis, Christopher Williams, Monica L. Albertie, Michelle Fudge, Oluwaseyi Toye, Collisa Mahin, Jada Melton, Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) Consortium, Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC). Achieving prostate cancer equity globally: Multinational advances from the iCCaRE consortium [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 2382.

PURPOSE There is limited cancer clinical research in sub-Saharan African countries despite the significant burden of cancers. The primary objective of this strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was to understand and document factors affecting the successful implementation of prostate cancer (CaP) clinical research in Nigeria. METHODS The research team used a qualitative design involving International Registry of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer (IRONMAN) study team members as participants from four regional sites in Nigeria. One-hour listening sessions were conducted via Zoom at each site, focusing on SWOT related to the IRONMAN study. All sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Themes were inductively coded and then synthesized across all four sites. RESULTS The study teams identified several strengths and weaknesses in conducting the IRONMAN study at their respective sites. Key strengths included access to robust patient population for recruitment and the availability of essential resources, such as lab space, clinical knowledge, and adequate staffing. Weaknesses centered on the social determinants of health that hinder patient participation, such as transportation challenges, distance to clinics, limited access to care, and insufficient biorepository space for sample storage. A prominent opportunity identified was the potential for Nigerian institutions to engage in more clinical research, particularly multisite global trials. Threats included difficulties in retaining research staff and political instability. CONCLUSION This study highlights the promising research opportunities in Nigeria. The lessons learned from the IRONMAN study provide valuable insights into the feasibility of conducting CaP clinical research and trials tailored to the needs of Black men in sub-Saharan Africa. These findings offer a roadmap for future research efforts, with the potential to expand clinical trials and improve health outcomes across the region.

Abstract Background: The need to increase understanding of prostate cancer (CaP) is ever increasing. Unfortunately, there is limited understanding of how CaP affects men of African ancestry (MAA) despite significant disparities in CaP prevention, diagnosis, and treatment due to genetic and sociobehavioral factors. Conducting CaP clinical trials (CTs) in Africa presents multiple opportunities to improve upon collective knowledge of CaP in MAA experiences, expand patient access to CTs, and provide opportunities for African scientists and urologists to contribute to research on the global stage. The International Registry of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer (IRONMAN) seeks to reduce CaP disparities by sponsoring sites throughout Africa. Four Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) institutions in Nigeria currently participate in IRONMAN: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Center, University of Maiduguri, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Because CTs of this scale are infrequently conducted in Africa, there are special considerations when conducting CTs in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria. Methods: Hourlong interviews dedicated to site staff were conducted via Zoom in Spring 2023 (four total). Interviews utilized a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis approach. Each interview was recorded, transcribed, and validated by study staff for accuracy. Themes from each were inductively coded and then collated across all four sites. Results: The urologists, oncologists, phlebotomists, pathologists, nurses, research coordinators that make up the study teams identified the holistics of conducting the IRONMAN study at their sites. Strengths included a large patient population to recruit from and appropriate resources to conduct the study (ex., lab space, clinical knowledge, staffing levels). Weaknesses included the social determinants of health that negatively impact patient participation, limited biorepository space to store samples, and the need for patient-physician trust. The greatest opportunity presented was Nigerian institutions joining more CTs in the future, particularly multi-site global trials. Described threats included staff turnover, national stability, and increased economic disparities. Discussion: While increasing the overall number of CTs in Africa is a noble cause, sponsors and institutions should note the unique circumstances in implementing CTs in Africa when designing CTs and recruiting sites. Listening to the experiences of study teams is pivotal in ensuring CTs are Africa-minded - they will be complimentary to established research infrastructure, appropriately funded, and culturally responsive all in the name of equitable research. By doing so, ethical compliance and quality data collection will ensue and reduce disparities at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Citation Format: Opeyemi Oreoluwa Bolajoko, Parisa Fathi, Oluwaseyi Toye, Dottington D. Fulwood, Ademola Popoola, Chidiebere Ogo, Hassan Dogo, Omolara Fatiregun, Anthonia Sowumi, Paul Jibrin, Mutiu A. Jimoh, Faruk Mohammed, Folakemi Odedina, Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of conducting clinical trials in Nigeria: The IRONMAN study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1013.

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) in men is, to date, the number one cause of death from cancer worldwide. PCa has been associated with a large number of lifestyle factors, including unhealthy dietary habits. In particular, diet and nutrition have been shown to play pivotal roles in PCa, and the habitual consumption of certain specific foods like meat cooked at very high temperatures has been implicated. However, this has not been documented among Black men. The aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary patterns and their association with the occurrence of prostate cancer. Method: This is a longitudinal multisite Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) familial cohort phase 2 study. Participants were Nigerian Black men between 35 and 70 years old who were willing to participate in the study over a 10-year period. For the food variety score, a score of 1 was given for each food item eaten weekly, and the aggregate food variety score was totaled and categorized as ≥54% very good, 45%–53% was good, 36%–44% fair, 18%–35% poor and <18% was very poor. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency analyses. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate dichotomous variables to compare groups based on demographic factors and the occurrence of PCa. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the specific predictors of the diagnosis of PCa with potential adjustment for the other demographic variables. P-values < 0.05 was set as significant. Results: A total of 780 participants were recruited, with 72.6% reporting no history of cancer. The median age was 47.00 (range: 21-97),16.5% have been diagnosed with Pca, and 1.5% were diagnosed with other Cancers. Age of cancer diagnosis showed that 21% were diagnosed at about 50 years. Participants’ fruit consumption showed that 28.4%, 29%, 39.5%, 23%, 31%, 28.7%, and 39.2, ate apples, mango, citrus, papaya, green banana, tomatoes, and watermelon, weekly, respectively. Fish was the most consumed protein source of animal origin irrespective of the cooking methods categories, such as boiling, frying, grilling, and smoking. The median food variety score was 20 (0-67), with 8.5%, 3.8%,49.3%, and 26.8% classified as good, very good, poor, and very poor, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the category of food variety score (P=0.0009), age (P<0.0001), and grilled fish consumption (P=0.0333) were found to be associated with Pca occurrence. Conclusions: The study showed that food variety score, age, and fish consumption were the correlates of prostate cancer occurrence in the population studied. Citation Format: Opeyemi O. Bolajoko, Catherine A. Oladoyinbo, Daniel Lee, Oluwaseyi Toye, Parisa Fathi, Robert Turesky, Ademola Popoola, Iya Bassey, Solomon Rotimi, Paul Jibrin, Chidebere Ogo, Abidemi Omonisi, Adebanji Adeniji, Anthonia Showunmi, Omolara Fatiregun, Ayo Salako, Haruna Nggada, Faruk Mohammed, Ifeoma Okoye, Ernie Kaninjing, Folakemi Odedina. Association between dietary patterns and occurrence of prostate cancer among Nigerian men: The CaPTC 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 B055.

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<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 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<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: Vitamin C has long been recognized for its plethora of immune system and anti-inflammatory properties. Various cancers have been identified to have similarities in epigenetic inflammatory components. Because rates of prostate cancer have exhibited significant disparities in Black men with increased incidence and mortality, an examination of the intersection of diet, inflammation, and cancer and chronic disease diagnoses necessitates researchers to consider vitamin C. This study utilized data collected from the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) Familial Cohort Study, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study initiated in 2017 which explores risk factors of prostate cancer among African Black men in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the United States (U.S.). Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the consumption habits of vitamin C-rich foods in African Black men and determine if dietary patterns influenced risk of cancer diagnosis. Methodology: Descriptive analyses compared vitamin C-rich food consumption among the countries of Nigeria, Cameroon, and the U.S. Unadjusted logistic regression models were used to identify association of cancer diagnosis with consumption of vitamin C fruits and vegetables. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: From 803 unique participants included in this study, most resided in Nigeria (82.6%), were married (92.9%) with a median age of 50.7 years. Chi square tests revealed significant differences in dietary consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables among the three countries. Men in Nigeria presented with the highest weekly fruit consumption (p < 0.001). Men in the U.S. exhibited the greatest weekly vegetable consumption (p < 0.001), while men in Cameroon showed the least weekly consumption of both fruits and vegetable (p < 0.001). Fourteen Cameroon and zero U.S. men reported a cancer diagnosis. Logistic regression models were significant only for Nigeria where age (p < 0.001), leafy vegetable (0.04), berries (p = 0.05), and citrus fruit consumption (p = 0.04) were identified to be significant predictors of increased risk of cancer diagnoses. Conclusion: Regular consumption of vitamin C rich foods assists with reduction of inflammatory components that may contribute to cancer genesis. Dietary consumption patterns of vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables show significant disparities in Nigeria, Cameroon and the U.S. with men in Cameroon reporting the least weekly consumption of both vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables. Future investigation into revisiting these associations as well as including an assessment of access to quality nutrition in both cost and availability should be explored, as regular consumption of leafy vegetables, berries, and citrus fruit were found to significantly decrease risk of cancer diagnosis in this study. Citation Format: Jennifer M. Crook, 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, Parisa Fathi, Ruth Enuka, Oluwaseyi Toye, CaPTC Investigators, Folakemi Odedina. Vitamin C prediction of cancer diagnosis in men of African ancestry in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the United States: An analysis of the CaPTC prostate cancer 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 C068.