Project Lead(s): Helen Dimaras
Issue
Accurate and timely pathology reporting is necessary for physicians to effectively manage and treat cancer patients, yet this relatively simple but key part of care is absent or delayed in many parts of the world.
Solution
Implemented in Kenya, the project developed a model of cancer pathology delivery in Kenya by focusing on retinoblastoma (childhood eye cancer). Eye pathology is essential to determine the extent of disease and the necessity for further treatment.
Outcome
Results showed that this approach could build local capacity in Kenya in retinoblastoma management.
A total of 103 retinoblastoma patients benefitted from the service, which ultimately also affected 453 family members.
Local capacity has been built in Kenya in retinoblastoma management through the Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy (KNRbS) group, attracting start-up resources for the development of the central pathology lab and Kenyan experts to lead it.
Knowledge was widely disseminated through publications such as Lancet Oncology and through conferences.
The project also attracted new funding of $20,000 from the TUYF Charitable Trust to support broader Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy (KNRbS) efforts.