Global Oncology

More than 20 years ago, the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center became one of the first cancer centers in the country to establish a sustainable global oncology partnership. This work dovetailed on the existing Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) partnership that linked Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Moi University School of Medicine in Eldoret, Kenya, with a North American consortium of medical centers led by Indiana University. Today, nearly 200 patients are seen daily for screening, evaluation, and treatment of their cancer and AMPATH Oncology is considered a model global oncology program by the National Cancer Institute and other international organizations.

Like our work here at home, our work in Kenya is best categorized in three distinct but related ways: research, education, and clinical care.

Genetic and environmental factors cause many cancers. In this country, tobacco products are one of the main culprits, but in other parts of the world, like sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), viral and bacterial infections increase the risk of cancers. Understanding the many factors that result in malignancies will lead to new and effective ways to prevent cancer before it develops. Additionally, a number of cancers less commonly seen in this country are much more frequent in SSA, such as Burkitt Lymphoma, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer and Kaposi’s Sarcoma. Working in Africa allows us to conduct clinical trials focused on these diseases more expeditiously which can translate to patients in our country.

Led by IU Distinguished Professor Patrick Loehrer, MD, the Center of Global Oncology is focusing efforts to expand translational cancer research portfolio in Kenya and establish a multi-national, SSA clinical trials group.

The cancer center is deeply engaged in the training of the next generation of cancer doctors. Our traditional curriculum for our fellows focuses on biology and treatment of cancer, but often lacks an emphasis on considering how the social determinants of health – poverty, nutrition, transportation, access to care – impact outcomes. These are critically important factors to consider in providing “good care,” and exposing our trainees to this through our Center of Global Oncology will make them stronger and more compassionate physicians. Caring for people in low resource areas of the world requires us to learn how to work smarter and more efficiently. In Kenya, we have helped develop training programs in gynecologic oncology, pediatric oncology, nursing oncology, palliative care, and medical oncology. Graduates of these programs have already grown to leadership roles in the institution and nationally. One of our former fellows, a Kenyan, is on the board of directors for the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which is the largest oncology society in the world.