Bringing immunotherapy to people with colorectal cancer in Nigeria (NOLA Program)

Addressing cancer disparities in Nigeria through Immuno-oncology Research – The NOLA Program

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11193505

Immunotherapy for Nigerian people with MSI‑high colorectal cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11193505 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This program partners with hospitals in Nigeria to offer immunotherapy to people whose colorectal tumors are MSI‑high while collecting tumor and blood samples and clinical information. The team is launching the first prospective immunotherapy effort for MSI‑high colorectal cancer in sub‑Saharan Africa and will set up local testing for MSI and other biomarkers to help select patients. Researchers will compare outcomes with data from high‑income countries and build local lab and treatment capacity so testing and treatments become more available. The work aims to fill gaps in data about tumor biology in African and African‑descended populations and to improve access to new treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People in Nigeria (or treated at participating sites in sub‑Saharan Africa) with colorectal cancer whose tumors test MSI‑high and who meet eligibility for immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not MSI‑high or who cannot tolerate immunotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve survival and access to immunotherapy for Nigerian patients with MSI‑high colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Immunotherapy has produced strong benefits for MSI‑high colorectal cancer in high‑income countries, but this is the first prospective effort in sub‑Saharan Africa so local results remain unproven.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.