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Montaño MA, Mtisi T, Ndlovu N, Borok M, Bula A, Joffe M, Bender Ignacio R, Chagomerana MB. Characterizing HIV status documentation among cancer patients at regional cancer centers in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:65. [PMID: 37884958 PMCID: PMC10604780 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In East and Southern Africa, people with HIV (PWH) experience worse cancer-related outcomes and are at higher risk of developing certain cancers. Siloed care delivery pathways pose a substantial barrier to co-management of HIV and cancer care delivery. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional studies of adult cancer patients at public radiotherapy and oncology units in Malawi (Kamuzu Central Hospital), Zimbabwe (Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals), and South Africa (Charlotte Maxeke Hospital) between 2018 and 2019. We abstracted cancer- and HIV-related data from new cancer patient records and used Poisson regression with robust variance to identify patient characteristics associated with HIV documentation. RESULTS We included 1,648 records from Malawi (median age 46 years), 1,044 records from South Africa (median age 55 years), and 1,135 records from Zimbabwe (median age 52 years). Records from all three sites were predominately from female patients; the most common cancers were cervical (Malawi [29%] and Zimbabwe [43%]) and breast (South Africa [87%]). HIV status was documented in 22% of cancer records from Malawi, 92% from South Africa, and 86% from Zimbabwe. Patients with infection-related cancers were more likely to have HIV status documented in Malawi (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-2.38) and Zimbabwe (aPR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.10-1.22). Patients aged ≥ 60 years were less likely to have HIV status documented (Malawi: aPR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.87; Zimbabwe: aPR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.72-0.81) than patients under age 40 years. Patient age and cancer type were not associated with HIV status documentation in South Africa. CONCLUSION Different cancer centers have different gaps in HIV status documentation and will require tailored strategies to improve processes for ascertaining and recording HIV-related information in cancer records. Further research by our consortium to identify opportunities for integrating HIV and cancer care delivery is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina A Montaño
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, USA.
| | - Takudzwa Mtisi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Margaret Borok
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Maureen Joffe
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rachel Bender Ignacio
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, USA
| | - Maganizo B Chagomerana
- UNC Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Improved understanding of the effect of HIV infection on Kaposi sarcoma (KS) presentation and outcomes will guide development of more effective KS staging and therapeutic approaches. We enrolled a prospective cohort of epidemic (HIV-positive; HIV + KS) and endemic (HIV-negative; HIV - KS) KS patients in Uganda to identify factors associated with survival and response. METHODS Adults with newly diagnosed KS presenting for care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in Kampala, Uganda, between October 2012 and December 2019 were evaluated. Participants received chemotherapy per standard guidelines and were followed over 1 year to assess overall survival (OS) and treatment response. RESULTS Two hundred participants were enrolled; 166 (83%) had HIV + KS, and 176 (88%) were poor-risk tumor (T1) stage. One-year OS was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57-71%), with the hazard of death nearly threefold higher for HIV + KS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.93; P = 0.023). Among HIV + KS, abnormal chest X-ray (HR = 2.81; P = 0.007), lower CD4 + T-cell count (HR = 0.68 per 100 cells/μl; P = 0.027), higher HIV viral load (HR = 2.22 per log 10 copies/ml; P = 0.026), and higher plasma Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) copy number (HR = 1.79 per log 10 copies/ml; P = 0.028) were associated with increased mortality. Among HIV - KS, factors associated with mortality included Karnofsky score <70 (HR = 9.17; P = 0.045), abnormal chest X-ray (HR = 8.41; P = 0.025), and higher plasma KSHV copy number (HR = 6.21 per log 10 copies/ml; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although survival rates were better for HIV - KS than HIV + KS, the high mortality rate seen in both groups underscores the urgent need to identify new staging and therapeutic approaches. Factors associated with mortality, including high plasma KSHV, may serve as important targets of therapy.
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The role of infections in the causation of cancer in Kenya. Cancer Causes Control 2022; 33:1391-1400. [PMID: 36087193 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01625-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer constitutes a major health care burden in the world today with the situation worsening in resource poor settings as seen in most Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Infections constitute by far the most common risk factors for cancer in SSA and being a typical country in this region, Kenya has experienced an upsurge in the incidence of various types of cancers in the last few decades. Although there is limited population-based data in Kenya of infections-associated cancers, this review provides an up-to-date literature-based discussion on infections-associated cancers, their pathogenesis, and preventive approaches in the country. The primary infectious agents identified are largely viral (human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus), and also bacterial: Helicobacter pylori and parasitic: Schistosomiasis haematobium. Cancers associated with infections in Kenya are varied but the predominant ones are Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, cervical, liver, and gastric cancers. The mechanisms of infections-induced carcinogenesis are varied but they mainly seem to stem from disruption of signaling, chronic inflammation, and immunosuppression. Based on our findings, actionable cancer-preventive measures that are economically feasible and aligned with existing infrastructure in Kenya include screening and treatment of infections, implementation of cancer awareness and screening, and vaccination against infections primarily HBV and HPV. The development of vaccines against other infectious agents associated with causation of cancer remains also as an important goal in cancer prevention.
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Baluku JB, Bogere N, Namiiro S, Walusansa V, Andia-Biraro I, Worodria W, Kirenga B. HIV-related lung cancer in Uganda: a cohort study. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:24. [PMID: 35668439 PMCID: PMC9169266 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00439-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are few reports on lung cancer among people with HIV (PWH) in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this report, we describe a cohort of PWH and lung cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
Methods This retrospective cohort of PWH and lung cancer was managed at the Uganda Cancer Institute between 2008 and 2018. Sociodemographic and clinical data were abstracted from the patient charts. The median survival from diagnosis to death, loss-to-follow up or 31st December 2018, was estimated.
Results There were 18 people with HIV and lung cancer. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 49.5 (38.8–56.0) years, 11 (61.1%) were women and 5 (27.8%) were smokers. Of the 18 PWH, 13 (72.2%) were on antiretroviral therapy and the median (IQR) CD4 count (n = 13) was 380 (243.5–595) cells per mm3. Difficulty in breathing (88.9%), chest pain (78.6%, n = 11), cough (76.5%, n = 17) and weight loss (72.2%) were the commonest symptoms while pleural effusions were observed in 12 (66.7%). In this cohort, 8 (44.4%) were presumptively treated for tuberculosis before the diagnosis of lung cancer. Seven (38.9%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 3. Non-small cell lung cancer was the predominant histological type observed in 17 (94.4%) of whom 14 (82.4%) had adenocarcinoma. Majority of PWH had stage IV disease (88.9%). The median (IQR) survival was 3.3 (1.1–13.2) months and all were either dead (72.2%) or lost-to-follow up (27.8%) at five years from diagnosis. Conclusion People with HIV and lung cancer in Uganda report low rates of smoking, present with advanced disease and post very poor survival rates. There is need for biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer in HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Baruch Baluku
- Makerere University Lung Institute, PO Box 26343, Kampala, Uganda. .,Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Sharon Namiiro
- Makerere University Lung Institute, PO Box 26343, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - William Worodria
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bruce Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, PO Box 26343, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Gulleen EA, Lubwama M, Komakech A, Krantz EM, Liu C, Phipps W. Knowledge and perceptions of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship among staff at a national cancer referral center in Uganda. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2022; 2:e54. [PMID: 36483337 PMCID: PMC9726558 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2022.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As access to cancer care has improved throughout sub-Saharan Africa, treatment-associated infections have increased. Assessing healthcare worker knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship and identifying the barriers to infection management will inform the development of contextually appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs, improving cancer outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), a national cancer referral center in Kampala, Uganda. PARTICIPANTS We surveyed 61 UCI staff: 29 nurses, 7 pharmacists, and 25 physicians. METHODS The survey contained 25 questions and 1 ranking exercise. We examined differences in responses by staff role. RESULTS All 60 respondents who answered the question had heard the term "antimicrobial resistance." Only 44 (73%) had heard the term "antimicrobial stewardship." Nurses were less likely than pharmacists or physicians to be familiar with either term. Also, 41 respondents (68%) felt that loss of antibiotic susceptibility is a major issue at UCI. Regarding barriers to diagnosing infections, 54 (93%) of 58 thought that it was difficult to obtain blood cultures and 48 (86%) of 56 thought that it was difficult to regularly measure temperatures. CONCLUSIONS Although most recognized the term "antimicrobial resistance," fewer were familiar with the term "antimicrobial stewardship." Inappropriate antibiotic use was recognized as a contributor to antimicrobial resistance, but hand hygiene was underrecognized as a contributing factor. We identified numerous barriers to diagnosing infections, including the ability to obtain blood cultures and consistently monitor temperatures. Educating staff regarding antimicrobial selection, allocating resources for blood cultures, and implementing strategies to enhance fever detection will improve infection management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Gulleen
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Margaret Lubwama
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alfred Komakech
- Department of Pharmacy, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth M. Krantz
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Catherine Liu
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Warren Phipps
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington, United States
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Sun D, Cao M, Li H, Ren J, Shi J, Li N, Chen W. Risk of prostate cancer in men with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2020; 24:24-34. [PMID: 32801354 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-020-00268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous studies have shown a decreased incidence of prostate cancer in men with HIV/AIDS, the consensus has not been reached. Our aim is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the risk of prostate cancer among people with HIV/AIDS. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library until March 2020. Cohort studies were included if they compared the prostate cancer risk between people with HIV/AIDS and uninfected controls or the general population. The summary standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS A total of 27 studies were included for analysis, with more than 2780 males with HIV/AIDS developing prostate cancer. The results showed that HIV infection was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer incidence (SIR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91; P = 0.003), with significant heterogeneity (P < 0.001; I2 = 91.6%). A range of sensitivity analyzes did not significantly change the results. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that people with HIV/AIDS have a lower incidence of prostate cancer compared with the general population. However, significant heterogeneity exists among the included studies. Further prospective studies with better designs are needed to elucidate the association between HIV infection and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianqin Sun
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Maomao Cao
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - He Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Jiansong Ren
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Jufang Shi
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Ni Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Wanqing Chen
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
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Rick T, Habtamu B, Tigeneh W, Abreha A, van Norden Y, Grover S, Assefa M, Incrocci L. Patterns of Care of Cancers and Radiotherapy in Ethiopia. J Glob Oncol 2020; 5:1-8. [PMID: 31834831 PMCID: PMC6939739 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.19.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiotherapy (RT) is an essential component of cancer treatment. There is a lack of RT services in sub-Saharan Africa as well as limited knowledge regarding clinical practices. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the patterns for RT treatment in Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS We performed a retrospective analysis of 1,823 patients treated with cobalt RT at a large referral hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 2015 through January 2018. Paper charts were reviewed for patient and treatment characteristics. Descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS (IBM, Armonk, NY). RESULTS Among patients treated for cancer, 98% (n = 1,784) were adults, 78% (n = 1,426) were female, 5% (n = 85) were HIV positive, 30% (n = 555) were from Addis Ababa, and the median age was 48 years (interquartile range [IQR], 38-58 years). Cervical cancer was the most frequent cancer treated (47%, n = 851), followed by breast cancer (15%, n = 274) and head and neck cancer (10%, n = 184). Seventy-three percent of patients (n = 1,339) presented at a late stage, and 62% (n = 1,138) received palliative RT. The wait times were the shortest for patients receiving palliative treatment (median, 0 days; IQR, 0-15 days; n = 1,138), whereas wait times were longer for patients receiving curative treatment (median, 150 days; IQR, 60-210 days; n = 685). Three percent of patients (n = 56) had documented grade 3 or 4 acute toxicity; of these, 59% (n = 33) were patients with head and neck cancer. CONCLUSION Cervical cancer accounted for half of patients treated; thus, a majority of patients were adult females. Most patients had advanced-stage cancer, and goals of care were palliative. Wait times were long for patients with curative-intent cancer as a result of low capacity for RT services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Rick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Biruk Habtamu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Aynalem Abreha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yvette van Norden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mathewos Assefa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Luca Incrocci
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Capacity building for hematologic malignancies in Uganda: a comprehensive research, training, and care program through the Uganda Cancer Institute-Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center collaboration. Blood Adv 2019; 2:8-10. [PMID: 30504187 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018gs111079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Low DH, Phipps W, Orem J, Casper C, Bender Ignacio RA. Engagement in HIV Care and Access to Cancer Treatment Among Patients With HIV-Associated Malignancies in Uganda. J Glob Oncol 2019; 5:1-8. [PMID: 30763144 PMCID: PMC6426497 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.18.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Health system constraints limit access to HIV and cancer treatment programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Limited access and continuity of care affect morbidity and mortality of patients with cancer and HIV. We assessed barriers in the care cascade of comorbid HIV and cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Structured interviews were conducted with 100 adult patients with HIV infection and new diagnoses of cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Participants completed follow-up questionnaires after 1 year to assess ongoing engagement with and barriers to care. RESULTS The median time from new-onset cancer symptoms to initiation of cancer care at the Uganda Cancer Institute was 209 days (interquartile range, 113 to 384 days). Persons previously established in HIV care waited less overall to initiate cancer care ( P = .04). Patients established in HIV care experienced shorter times from initial symptoms to seeking of cancer care ( P = .02) and from seeking of care to cancer diagnosis ( P = .048). Barriers to receiving care for HIV and cancer included difficulty traveling to multiple clinics/hospitals (46%), conflicts between HIV and cancer appointments (23%), prohibitive costs (21%), and difficulty adhering to medications (15%). Reporting of any barriers to care was associated with premature discontinuation of cancer treatment ( P = .003). CONCLUSION Patients with HIV-associated malignancies reported multiple barriers to receiving care for both conditions, although knowledge of HIV status and engagement in HIV care before presentation with malignancy reduced subsequent time to the start of cancer treatment. This study provides evidence to support creation and evaluation of integrated HIV and cancer care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H. Low
- Swedish Family Medicine Residency at Cherry Hill, Seattle, WA
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Warren Phipps
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Jackson Orem
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Corey Casper
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Infectious Diseases Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Rachel A Bender Ignacio
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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