OAUTH Unveils Nigeria’s First Immunotherapy Trial for Colorectal Cancer

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Nigeria has recorded a major medical milestone with the launch of its first-ever immunotherapy clinical trial for colorectal cancer at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State. The trial marks the first use of immunotherapy for cancer treatment in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa.

The initiative brings together experts from Obafemi Awolowo University, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Medserve’s NSIA-Diagnostic Centre in Lagos, and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), United States. Under the programme, eligible colorectal cancer patients will receive free treatment across the participating centres.

Speaking at the unveiling, Professor Olusegun Alatise, a Professor of Surgery at OAU and Consultant General Surgeon at OAUTH, explained that the trial explores the use of PD-1 blockade, a form of immunotherapy that enables the body’s immune system to fight mismatch-repair-deficient colorectal cancer. He noted that colorectal cancer is an increasing public health challenge in Nigeria, with survival rates remaining poor due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options.

According to Alatise, the clinical trial has received approval from the National Health Research Ethics Committee and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), ensuring that it meets global ethical and regulatory standards. BeOne Medicines will supply the immunotherapy drug, tislelizumab, while BioVentures for Global Health is supporting regulatory processes in Nigeria.

Describing the trial as a historic breakthrough, Alatise urged patients living with colorectal cancer to approach OAUTH, LUTH, or Medserve’s NSIA-Diagnostic Centre for enrollment at no cost.

The announcement coincided with World Cancer Day, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing commitment to improving cancer care, research, and access to innovative treatments through global collaboration.

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