Evaluating the current neuro-oncology capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa: A questionnaire-based survey
Francis Zerd1, Lateef A Odukoya2, Beverly Cheserem3
1Mortuary and Forensic Department, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, Tanzania.
Background:
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This project aimed to assess and map out the current neuro-oncology capacity in SSA, brain tumor registries, and biobanks.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study utilized an online survey to gather data from healthcare professionals involved in CNS tumor care across SSA through the Society for Neuro-Oncology SSA (SNOSSA). The survey captured information on the availability of neuro-oncology practitioners, neuropathology, molecular diagnostics, cancer registries, and biobanking.
Results:
A total of 145 respondents representing 70 healthcare institutions across 22 countries participated. Of the 70 institutions, specialties included neurosurgery (89%, 62/70), anatomic pathology (74%, 52/70), and medical oncology (71%, 50/70). For radiologic evaluation, 64% (45/70) of responding institutions reported having both CT and MRI. Access to molecular testing through immunohistochemistry or next-generation sequencing was available in 46% (32/70) of responding institutions. Multidisciplinary tumor boards were available for CNS cases in 86% (60/70) of responding institutions. Brain tumor-specific registries were available in 29% (20/70) of responding institutions, and 10% (7/70) maintained brain tumor biorepositories.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that SSA has substantial potential in neuro-oncology care practice capacity and facilities. The most significant gaps were in neuropathology and molecular testing, which makes widespread implementation of the WHO 2021 diagnosis challenging. Understanding the prevalence of CNS tumor subtypes in SSA is difficult due to the low number of brain tumor registries and biobanks.
