Abstract
Well-designed, pragmatic, patient-centered clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries are essential to drive approval of more effective and less toxic cancer medicines to address the rising burden of cancer among populations in low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, through reverse innovation, clinical trials informed by genomic research enable development of precision medicine strategies for underserved populations within all populations. The African continent is home to many low- and middle-income countries; yet, it has seen very few cancer clinical trials. Considering that Africa is the cradle of humanity, with its diverse populations and geography, this represents a missed opportunity to understand the heterogeneity of cancer genomes and their implications for developmental therapeutics. Since 1998, the Nigerian Breast Cancer Study Group has striven to gain a better understanding of the root causes of breast cancer and accelerate progress in clinical research that will benefit the African ancestry diaspora globally through deployment of innovative "leapfrog" technologies. The University of Chicago supports interdisciplinary and interprofessional teams of researchers through the African Cancer Leaders Institute and in partnership with the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer. By fostering public-private partnerships, the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer can identify and integrate significant resources needed to build regional networks and establish clinical trial coordinating centers across African countries, enabling resources to be developed and shared equitably. Such resources include a standardized curriculum for specialist training in oncology, including medical oncology and oncology nursing, to increase the numbers of qualified team leaders and principal investigators. Adequate support for study participants-financial and psychosocial-and patient navigation services will be important in growing a clinical trials network. Finally, full participation of African clinical researchers in global oncology trials will ensure workforce retention in Africa and improve financial security and job satisfaction of health professionals on the African continent.