This two-part study is designed to build up cancer clinical trial infrastructure in Kenya to create new opportunities for global cancer research. First, our team is building a comprehensive electronic database of all cancer patients at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Homabay County Referral Hospital and Chulaimbo Sub County Hospital in Western Kenya. Collecting patient demographics and clinical data will enhance our ability to assess the patient population and identify potential clinical trial candidates. This approach will yield a more accurate understanding of the burden of cancer of the more than 10 million people living in Western Kenya.
Subsequently, we aim to conduct a proof-of-concept genomic study to demonstrate the database’s capability for comprehensive data extraction and high-quality genomic studies. Focusing on cancers caused by the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) which are highly prevalent among people living with HIV, we will collaborate with the Ratner lab at Washington University to conduct DNA and single-cell RNA analysis of KSHV – the virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman disease. Patients infected by KSHV can have a broad range of diseases, ranging from asymptomatic to Kaposi sarcoma tumors on the skin, to Kaposi sarcoma tumors in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, to aggressive types of lymphoma that can be rapidly fatal. By genotyping, we will identify KSHV subtypes more likely to cause severe diseases.
These studies are supported by the American Cancer Society, Washington University in St. Louis and the National Institute of Cancer – Kenya.