By By Tunji Oladejo
A landmark clinical trial is currently underway in Nigeria, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Obafemi Awolowo University, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Medserve and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The trial investigates PD-1 blockade immunotherapy in patients with mismatch-repair-deficient colorectal cancer. It has been approved by the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC)—the body responsible for ensuring that all health research conducted in Nigeria is ethical and globally compliant—and by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the organisation that regulates and controls the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals and detergents in Nigeria.
This is a moment of great pride for the University of Ibadan (UI) College of Medicine. Three distinguished alumni of the College—Dr Lilian Ekpo, Dr Zainab Yunusa-Kaltungo and Dr Tolu Adewole—are playing instrumental roles in this initiative.
They are part of a groundbreaking clinical trial set to revolutionise the treatment of colorectal cancer in Nigeria. Their contributions underscore the institution’s long-standing commitment to advancing cancer research and care.
The exciting development was shared with me by Dr Abraham Ariyo, a UI College of Medicine alumnus and US-based cardiologist. We connected online about four months ago, bonding over our shared passion for the University of Ibadan and its College of Medicine. As he remarked:
“I have read your pieces about Ibadanland and the University of Ibadan, especially about Professors Ronke Baiyeroju and Olayinka Omigbodun. You are interested in UI and Ibadan. You are engaging in similar efforts with me regarding the alumni of the Ibadan College of Medicine. I appreciate you.”
Since then, he has consistently shared stories of notable alumni achievements, with this immunotherapy trial being the latest highlight.
At its core, this trial represents a major turning point in Nigeria’s fight against cancer, with far-reaching implications for sub-Saharan Africa. The contributions of alumni once again reinforce the UI College of Medicine’s reputation as a hub for innovative research and medical excellence.
The success of this trial could position Nigeria as a frontrunner in cancer research, demonstrating the nation’s capacity to address urgent health challenges through world-class science and collaboration. Kudos to the UI College of Medicine for nurturing professionals who continue to make meaningful global impact.
The trial is partially funded by the Thompson Family Foundation. Co-principal investigator, Professor Olusegun Isaac Alatise, noted:
“The approval marks an important milestone in the fight against colorectal cancer in Nigeria.”
Similarly, co-principal investigator, Professor Fatimah Abdulkareem, added:
“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to advancing cancer care.”
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Global Cancer Research and Training Programme partnered with the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in 2013 to establish the African Research Group for Oncology. According to Dr T. Peter Kingham:
“We hope this trial will lead to a similar shift in treatment possibilities for Nigerian colorectal cancer patients.”
Dr Tolulope Adewole, Chief Executive Officer of Medserve, further emphasised that:
“Quality oncology care should not be a privilege; it must be the minimum standard irrespective of location.”
If any advanced medical innovation takes place in Nigeria, UI alumni are often at the heart of it. They may not always be in the spotlight, but they are consistently driving progress behind the scenes.
Globally, colorectal cancer remains a significant public health challenge, and Nigeria is no exception. Less than half of Nigerian patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer survive beyond one year. Colorectal cancer typically affects the colon or rectum and often presents with few or no symptoms in its early stages, making early detection crucial. Once advanced, it can be difficult to treat.
Common warning signs include changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhoea or constipation), blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramps, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
Risk factors include increasing age (especially over 50), family history, a low-fibre and high-processed-meat diet, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Screening remains key. Procedures such as colonoscopy can detect the disease early, when treatment is most effective. Encouragingly, advances in research—such as immunotherapy trials like this one—are offering new hope. Stay proactive about your health and get screened when due.
Tunji Oladejo, MNIPR, JP, writes from the University of Ibadan and is Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI). He can be reached via oladejo65@gmail.com.
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