# Addressing cancer disparities in Nigeria through Immuno-oncology Research – The NOLA Program

> **NIH NIH P20** · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · 2024 · $383,091

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – OVERALL
In the US and other high-income countries, immunotherapy is transforming the management of some cancers,
including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, immunotherapy is not widely available to patients in low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) who might benefit the most. Our collaborations in sub-Saharan Africa over the
past 10 years have highlighted disparities for Nigerian patients diagnosed with CRC – 53% of Nigerian CRC
patients will die within a year of diagnosis, compared to 17% in the US – and incidence in Nigeria is rising.
Interestingly, in work to understand the biological underpinnings of these disparities, we found a 3-fold higher
rate of the immunogenic MSI-H (high microsatellite instability) phenotype in Nigerian compared to US CRC,
suggesting a unique opportunity to address CRC disparities in Nigeria with immunotherapy. Based on these
findings, we are separately initiating the first prospective trial of immunotherapy for MSI-H CRC in sub-Saharan
Africa. While promising, our work in this area has illuminated the severe lack of immuno-oncology data from
Nigerian patients (and other LMIC populations) at all scientific levels. Bringing the promise of immunotherapy to
these populations requires a contextual understanding of CRC immunobiology, biomarkers to efficiently and
cost-effectively select patients most likely to benefit from treatment, and regional immuno-oncology experts with
knowledge of immunotherapy and immune-related side effects. To address these needs, we will establish the
Nigerian Immuno-Oncology Research (NOLA) program, with a goal to synergize our existing strengths in global
cancer disparities research and immuno-oncology that have, until now, lacked an integrated focus and
coordination. Specifically, in this P20 project, we will unite a multi-disciplinary group to 1. develop pilot data to
guide future studies investigating the tumor microenvironment of Nigerian CRC; 2. integrate a multi-disciplinary
team and research projects focused on immuno-oncology in Nigerian and US cancer patients; and 3. develop
biobanks and databases of Nigerian CRC to support future immuno-oncology research. By the end of the project
period, we will have generated the preliminary data, resources, infrastructure, and program plan to support a
robust multi-disciplinary, collaborative immuno-oncology research to address health disparities between Nigerian
and US patients with CRC beyond the P20.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10879522
- **Project number:** 1P20CA290448-01
- **Recipient organization:** SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- **Principal Investigator:** OLUSEGUN ISAAC ALATISE
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $383,091
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-16 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10879522

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10879522, Addressing cancer disparities in Nigeria through Immuno-oncology Research – The NOLA Program (1P20CA290448-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10879522. Licensed CC0.

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