Fatimah Abdulkareem, a Professor at the University of Lagos is leading Nigeria’s first immunotherapy clinical trial for colorectal cancer.
The don who is also of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in collaboration with MedServe Cancer Center, has launched Nigeria’s first immunotherapy clinical trial for colorectal cancer, marking a major milestone in the country’s cancer research and treatment landscape.
The study is being conducted in partnership with the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), with international support from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which serves as sponsor and data coordinating centre. Additional backing is provided by the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) and the Thompson Family Foundation in the United States.
The Principal Investigators include Professor Fatimah Abdulkareem, Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL)/LUTH, for the LUTH study site; Professor Olusegun Alatise of the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)/OAUTHC, for the OAUTHC site; and Dr Eben Aje of MedServe Cancer Center.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the initiative, the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, described the development as a landmark achievement for both the institution and Nigeria.
“This launch represents the culmination of years of investment in infrastructure, training and international collaboration. LUTH now has the expertise and systems required to conduct cutting-edge clinical research that meets global standards,” he stated.
Providing a scientific overview of the study, Professor Abdulkareem highlighted the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in Nigeria, noting that the disease is increasingly affecting younger patients.
“Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting Nigerians, including younger patients. A significant proportion of our patients have the mismatch repair–deficient subtype, which responds poorly to conventional chemotherapy but has shown promising results with immunotherapy in international studies,” she explained.
She added that mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer has demonstrated encouraging outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors in global trials. Explaining the mechanism of action, she noted that immunotherapy works by enabling the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.
“The anti-PD-1 therapy removes the brake that prevents immune cells from destroying tumour cells. Participants will be carefully monitored using imaging, laboratory tests and standardised assessment methods,” she said.
Dr Eben Aje emphasised that patient safety remains central to the implementation of the trial. According to him, although immunotherapy may cause side effects, they are generally manageable and often less severe than those associated with traditional chemotherapy.
“We have comprehensive safety protocols in place, and patient welfare remains our top priority,” he said, adding that the investigational medication will be provided at no cost to participants and that all enrolled patients will be insured for the duration of the study.
Titled “PD-1 Blockade in Mismatch Repair–Deficient Colorectal Cancer,” the trial will enrol forty adult participants. It is designed as a pilot, open-label study involving patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who are treatment-naïve, as well as patients with localised stage II or III rectal cancer.
The study has received ethical clearance from the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria and the LUTH Health Research Ethics Committee.
The launch of the trial represents a significant step towards expanding access to innovative cancer therapies in Nigeria and strengthening the country’s capacity to conduct high-quality clinical research in line with international standards.
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