Nigeria has recorded a major milestone in cancer care with the launch of its first clinical trial for the treatment of colorectal cancer, marking the first use of immunotherapy in a cancer trial in sub-Saharan Africa.
The landmark initiative was unveiled on Wednesday at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, and will provide free treatment to eligible colorectal cancer patients at OAUTH, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and Medserve’s NSIA-Diagnostic Centre, Lagos.
Addressing journalists at the formal unveiling, Professor Olusegun Alatise, a Professor of Surgery at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, described the trial as a breakthrough born out of international and inter-institutional collaboration.
According to Alatise, experts from OAU, LUTH, and Medserve worked alongside specialists from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSK), United States, a global leader in cancer treatment, to explore the use of PD-1 blockade immunotherapy in patients with mismatch-repair-deficient colorectal cancer.
He explained that immunotherapy works by activating the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options due to genetic mutations.
Describing colorectal cancer as a growing public health challenge in Nigeria, Alatise noted that less than half of
diagnosed patients survive beyond one year, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatment approaches.The trial, which has received approval from the National Health Research Ethics Committee and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is fully compliant with global research and ethical standards.
“The approval of this trial marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s fight against colorectal cancer. Our research could provide vital insights into novel treatment strategies for patients with limited therapeutic options,” Alatise said.
He added that investigators from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre will serve as the study sponsor and data coordinating centre, working closely with Nigerian research teams. BeOne Medicines will supply the immunotherapy drug tislelizumab, while BioVentures for Global Health will support regulatory processes in Nigeria.
With patient enrolment now open, Alatise urged individuals managing colorectal cancer to approach OAUTH, LUTH, or Medserve’s NSIA-Diagnostic Centre in Lagos to benefit from the no-cost treatment.
The announcement coincided with the 2026 World Cancer Day, observed annually on 4 February, aimed at raising awareness and strengthening global efforts in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
Breakthrough Study Begins at OAUTH, Offers Free Treatment to Patients
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