By; SANI ALIYU, ZARIA

A groundbreaking clinical trial evaluating Niraparib maintenance therapy for advanced ovarian cancer was officially launched and opened for enrollment at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria.

The Chief Medical Director who is also the Principal Investigator (PI), Prof. Ahmed Hamidu Umdagas, described ovarian cancer as a “silent killer” in Nigeria and across the diaspora.

“Black women are often diagnosed late, face more aggressive disease, and have poorer survival rates than any other group. Yet, Black women remain underrepresented in global research,” he said.

Prof. Umdagas reiterated the significance of the trial, assuring that it would be conducted to the highest global standards of science, ethics, and patient safety.

He stated that the trial aims to correct and rewrite global data on ovarian cancer by ensuring African and Black patient populations are included.

The CMD explained that the study will enroll 20 women with advanced ovarian cancer and emphasized ABUTH’s mandate to provide excellent clinical care throughout the trial.

ABUTH can lead multinational, race-specific research to create a future where Africa does not wait for answers, but provides solutions,” he added.

Prof. Matthew of the University of Miami Cancer Center appreciated the Chief Medical Director and his team and assured transparency in the treatment and reporting of outcomes for Black African women with ovarian cancer.

Other invited guests and collaboration partners applauded the Principal Investigator and pledged full cooperation to ensure the trial’s success in improving outcomes and reducing mortality rates among Black women in Africa.

The Director of Administration, Barr. Buhari Zailani, speaks on behalf of the Chairman, Board of Management, Management, and Staff of the hospital, expressed appreciation to collaborators and sponsors for giving Ahmadu Bello University Teaching hospital (ABUTH) the platform to showcase its competence in research, training, and medicine.

He also appreciated the chief medical directors of federal tertiary health institutions and CEOs of federal agencies present.

The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), CMD, FUHSA, Director General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT)

ABUTH Top Management Committee, Co-Investigators, Research Staff , Collaborators, and Members of the Press.

The Niraparib Clinical Trial for Ovarian Cancer is a collaborative research between ABU Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) and Selvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System(USA).

The Clinical trial will evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and tolerability of Niraparib maintenance therapy in black women diagnosed with specific types of advanced ovarian cancer.

Source: NewNigeriaNewspaper