Unmet Needs in Oncology Clinical Research and Treatment in Africa: Focus on Ghana

Unravelling CD24-Siglec-10 pathway: Cancer immunotherapy from basic science to clinical studies

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape by harnessing the power of the immune system to combat malignancies. Two of the most promising players in this field are cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) and sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 10 (Siglec-10), and both of them play pivotal roles in modulating immune responses. CD24, a cell surface glycoprotein, emerges as a convincing fundamental signal transducer for therapeutic intervention, given its significant implication in the processes related to tumour progression and immunogenic evasion. Additionally, the immunomodulatory functions of Siglec-10, a prominent member within the Siglec family of immune receptors, have recently become a crucial point of interest, particularly in the context of the tumour microenvironment. Hence, the intricate interplay of both CD24 and Siglec-10 assumes a critical role in fostering tumour growth, facilitating metastasis and also orchestrating immune evasion. Recent studies have found multiple evidences supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting CD24 in cancer treatment. Siglec-10, on the other hand, exhibits immunosuppressive properties that contribute to immune tolerance within the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, we delve into the complex mechanisms through which Siglec-10 modulates immune responses and facilitates immune escape in cancer. Siglec-10 also acts as a viable target for cancer immunotherapy and presents novel avenues for the development of therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we examine the synergy between CD24 and Siglec-10 in shaping the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment and discuss the implications for combination therapies. Therefore, understanding the roles of CD24 and Siglec-10 in cancer immunotherapy opens exciting possibilities for the development of novel therapeutics.

"Let him die. He caused it": A qualitative study on cancer stigma in Tanzania

Cancer stigma presents a critical barrier to care seeking, contributing to delayed presentation and poor cancer outcomes worldwide. The burden of cancer in Tanzania is on the rise, with cancer being the third-leading cause of death in the country. Despite rising incidence and poor outcomes of cancer, cancer-related stigma interventions have received low prioritization. There is a need for sound research that focuses on understanding attitudes driving stigma, its impact on care-seeking and treatment adherence, and intervention models to reduce stigma. We used a cross-sectional qualitative study design. We administered three open-ended qualitative questions to 140 adults newly diagnosed with cancer in Moshi, Tanzania. The questions explored common attitudes toward people with cancer, the perceived impact of cancer-related stigma on care engagement, and ideas for reducing cancer stigma. Patients were recruited during routine appointments at the Cancer Center at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center. Data were analyzed using a team-based, applied thematic approach and NVivo 12 software. All participants described stigma as a significant challenge for treatment and receiving support from their social networks. Perceptions of financial burden, misconceptions about cancer, such as the belief that it is contagious, and fear of death, were common attitudes driving cancer stigma. Most participants feared that symptoms would prevent them from being able to work and that the cost of cancer care would drive away loved ones. Stigma was not a ubiquitous response, as some participants reported increased care and social support from family members after a cancer diagnosis. Experiences of stigma contributed to feelings of shame, fear of burdening the family, reduced resources to access treatment, and disengagement from care. Common substitutes to medical therapies included religious interventions and traditional medicine, perceived as less expensive and less stigmatizing. Many participants felt they would benefit from improved financial support, professional counseling, and education for families and communities to reduce stigmatizing attitudes and enhance social support. There is a need for intervention studies focused on improving cancer literacy, community advocacy to reduce cancer stigma, and increasing emotional and practical support for people with cancer and their families. There is also a clear need for policy efforts to make cancer care more affordable and accessible to reduce the financial burden on patients and families.

Update on pathology laboratory development and research in advancing regional cancer care in Malawi

The pathology laboratory at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi was established in 2011. We published our initial experiences in laboratory development and telepathology in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on our work by highlighting the positive role laboratory development has played in improving regional cancer care and research. In addition, we provide a summary of the adult pathology data from specimens received between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2019, with an emphasis on malignant diagnoses. We compare these summaries to estimates of cancer incidence in this region to identify gaps and future needs.

Targeting CD24 as a novel immunotherapy for solid cancers

Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), a mucin-like highly glycosylated molecule has been extensively studied as a cancer stem cell marker in a variety of solid cancers. The functional role of CD24 is either fulfilled by combining with ligands or participating in signal transduction, which mediate the initiation and progression of neoplasms. Recently, CD24 was also described as an innate immune checkpoint with apparent significance in several types of solid cancers. Herein, we review the current understanding of the molecular fundamentals of CD24, the role of CD24 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, the possibility as a promising therapeutic target and summarized different therapeutic agents or strategies targeting CD24 in solid cancers. Video Abstract.