Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer in Nigeria

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

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11393459

This program aims to bring immunotherapy to people in Nigeria whose colorectal cancers show MSI-high features and may respond well.

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-11393459 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would have your tumor tested for microsatellite instability (MSI) and give blood and tissue samples so researchers can study immune markers. People with MSI-high tumors may be offered participation in a new immunotherapy trial being launched in the region, while others help by contributing samples for biomarker research. The team will compare results with U.S. patient data to understand differences in tumor immune biology in African and African-descended populations. The program also supports local lab capacity and training so testing and care can continue after the project ends.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people in Nigeria diagnosed with colorectal cancer whose tumors test MSI-high and who can attend participating clinics.

Not a fit: People whose tumors are MSI-stable or who cannot travel to participating sites are unlikely to directly benefit from the immunotherapy trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could expand access to effective immunotherapy for Nigerian and other African-descended patients with MSI-high colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Immunotherapy has worked well for MSI-high colorectal cancer in high-income countries, but it has not been widely tested in African populations.

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.