International oncology experts are gathering in Accra, Ghana for a series of meetings beginning today, to update cancer treatment recommendations in the NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ for Sub-Saharan Africa. This is the latest event from a longstanding collaboration between the African Cancer Coalition (ACC), American Cancer Society (ACS), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®), and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) that collectively form the group Allied Against Cancer. Together, the organizations are focused on providing context-appropriate, evidence-based cancer care strategies that address the unique challenges faced across the region.

“The Sub-Saharan Africa region is dealing with a rising rate of cancer incidences. Standardizing care based on the latest evidence-based expert consensus-driven recommendations helps ensure consistency in treatment and enables better planning for how to use available resources,” said Dr. Henry Ddungu, Senior Consultant, Hematology/Oncology; African Cancer Coalition. “We can ensure people with cancer receive the most effective treatment by harnessing local expertise combined with global best practices.”

Scientists at deCODE genetics/Amgen, and their collaborators have discovered six novel genes with rare germline variants that associate with cancer risk. The findings are published today in Nature Genetics under the title “Gene-based burden tests of rare germline variants identify six cancer susceptibility genes”.

A subset of cancers arises in individuals who are born with rare sequence variants that significantly alter their cancer risk. The discovery of such variants, like those in the BRCA1– and BRCA2 genes, has led to improved early cancer detection and the development of targeted therapies, ultimately reducing the cancer burden and improving prognosis of those carrying these mutations.

In this study, the scientists analysed three large genetic datasets from individuals of European descent, including 130,991 cancer patients and 733,486 controls. Through a gene-based burden association analysis across 22 different cancer types, they found four novel genes associated with a risk of developing cancer; the pro-apoptotic BIK for prostate cancer, the autophagy involved ATG12 for colorectal cancer, TG for thyroid cancer, and CMTR2 for both lung cancer and cutaneous melanoma. The relative increase in cancer risk conferred by these variants was substantial (90-295%), but it should be noted that the design of the study does not allow accurate assessment of absolute lifetime cancer risk.

Leaders of the Dinka Ngok in Abyei are demanding self-governance as the ongoing conflict in Sudan dashes hopes for a referendum to determine the disputed region’s future. In a memorandum to the UN peacekeeping force in Abyei (UNISFA), the Dinka Ngok, who are the main inhabitants of the region, called for international support for self-rule during an interim period until Sudan and South Sudan can agree on Abyei’s final status. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement granted Abyei special status and promised a referendum to decide whether it would join Sudan or South Sudan. However, the vote has been repeatedly delayed due to disagreements over voter eligibility, primarily the participation of the nomadic Misseriya tribe…With Sudan engulfed in conflict and South Sudan hesitant to act unilaterally, the Dinka Ngok see little chance of a resolution in the near future. They warn that Abyei, already “ravaged by decades of violence,” risks becoming a battleground. (Sudan Tribune)

Leaders of the Dinka Ngok in Abyei are demanding self-governance as the ongoing conflict in Sudan dashes hopes for a referendum to determine the disputed region’s future. In a memorandum to the UN peacekeeping force in Abyei (UNISFA), the Dinka Ngok, who are the main inhabitants of the region, called for international support for self-rule during an interim period until Sudan and South Sudan can agree on Abyei’s final status. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement granted Abyei special status and promised a referendum to decide whether it would join Sudan or South Sudan. However, the vote has been repeatedly delayed due to disagreements over voter eligibility, primarily the participation of the nomadic Misseriya tribe…With Sudan engulfed in conflict and South Sudan hesitant to act unilaterally, the Dinka Ngok see little chance of a resolution in the near future. They warn that Abyei, already “ravaged by decades of violence,” risks becoming a battleground. (Sudan Tribune)