Connecting the dots: Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer. Is there a possible association? Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Stella Irungu, Ph.D. stella.irungu@cancerresearchkenya.org The human endometrium (layer of tissue that lines the uterus) is a unique tissue that undergoes important changes during the menstrual cycle. Due to the exposure...
How nature’s pharmacy may be the answer to cancer
How nature’s pharmacy may be the answer to cancer Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Carolyn Muruthi, Ph.D. carolyn.muruthi@aku.edu Most of the mainstream cancer treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation, have shown tremendous efficacies. However, these approaches are associated with a spectrum of adverse effects, including cardiotoxicity...
Kenya needs to develop basic science infrastructure for cancer research
Kenya needs to develop basic science infrastructure for cancer research Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 By Vivian Tuei, PhD vtuei@mu.ac.ke Kenya has seen a significant rise in cancer cases over the past few decades. According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), Kenya reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317...
What Is Palliative Care?
What Is Palliative Care? Date: 30th September 2024 | Issue #2 Elliot Abbott, PhD elliot.abbot@cancerresearchkenya.org Palliative care is a specialized medical approach focused on relieving symptoms, pain, and stress in patients with serious illnesses. Its primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families,...
Editor’s Note
Editor's Note Victor Oria, Ph.D, Elliot Abbott, Ph.D, Fiona Okonjo, Ph.D, Faith Mokobi Zablon Welcome to the inaugural edition of OncoAfrica, a newsletter by the nonprofit research organization, the Integrated Cancer Research Foundation (ICRF) of Kenya, which will be dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of cancer in Africa. Our mission is...
Foreword
Foreword By Hudson Alakonya, Ph.D The burden of cancer is increasingly posing significant challenges to patients, families and healthcare systems across Africa. In the face of this ferocious malady, it is crucial that the public has access to knowledge about emerging methods of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. By enlightening...
Investing in cancer biotech startups: a solution to Africa’s burgeoning cancer morbidity and mortality
Investing in cancer biotech startups: a solution to Africa’s burgeoning cancer morbidity and mortality By Hudson Alakonya, Ph.D.Cancer poses a significant health and economic problem in Africa. The burden of the disease has steadily increased over the past few decades, with forecasts estimating both incidence and mortality to double by...
Can mutational fingerprints unravel the causes of oesophageal cancer?
Can mutational fingerprints unravel the causes of oesophageal cancer? By Wanjiru Muriithi, Ph.D. Oesophageal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in Kenya. It is an aggressive cancer with poor outcomes in part due to late-stage diagnosis, with patients presenting...
The power of your RNA in cancer
The Power of Your RNA By Faith Zablon Mokobi RNA plays a pivotal role in cancer biology, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression, and treatment. By deciphering the complex interplay between RNA molecules and cancer etiology, researchers can identify novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and strategies...
Proactive, Patient, Reactive?
Proactive, Patient, Reactive? By Stefanie Harsch, Ph.D. How do we portray people affected by cancer in Kenya and what are the implications for policy, practice, and research? This “idea of cancer” also influences our understanding of what we call a person with cancer and what to expect from them. Surprisingly,...