Lagos University Teaching Hospital launches Nigeria first immunotherapy clinical trial for patients with colorectal cancer

LUTH and MedServe launch Nigeria's first immunotherapy clinical trial for dMMR colorectal cancer, providing free treatment to 40 patients in a landmark study.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 4:55 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from News Diary Online

Inauguration of immunotherapy research in Nigeria

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has officially launched the first immunotherapy clinical trial for colorectal cancer in Nigeria, marking a transformative moment for oncology in West Africa. Conducted in collaboration with the MedServe Cancer Center, the initiative was announced by LUTH Chief Medical Director Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo during a press conference on Wednesday. Adeyemo characterized the launch as a landmark achievement resulting from years of strategic investment in medical infrastructure and specialized training. The trial signifies that LUTH has attained the institutional expertise necessary to host cutting edge clinical research that adheres to rigorous global scientific standards.

Strategic international and domestic partnerships

The study is built upon a framework of high level collaboration involving both domestic and international partners. While LUTH serves as the primary site, the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) is also participating in the research. Global support is provided by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the United States, which acts as the official sponsor and data coordinating center. Additional backing comes from the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) and the Thompson Family Foundation. These partnerships ensure that the trial benefits from international oversight while addressing the specific genetic and clinical profiles of the Nigerian population.

Targeting mismatch repair deficient cancer subtypes

The scientific focus of the trial centers on a specific genetic manifestation of colorectal cancer known as the mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) subtype. Principal Investigator Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem explained that this particular form of the disease is increasingly prevalent among Nigerians, including younger demographics. Traditional chemotherapy often yields poor results for dMMR patients, whereas international studies have shown that these tumors are highly responsive to immunotherapy. By focusing on this subtype, the trial aims to provide a more effective and personalized treatment path for patients who currently have limited options under conventional protocols.