Predicting which colorectal cancer patients in South Africa might stop attending oncology care
A clinical prediction rule for identifying South African colorectal cancer patients who will fail to engage in oncology care
This project uses patient surveys, medical data, and machine learning to find newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients in South Africa who are likely to stop attending oncology care so they can get extra support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kwazulu-Natal NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durban, South Africa) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159685 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, researchers will first review published studies and ask about barriers to care using a short survey of about 109 patients. They will then collect clinical and social information from roughly 398 newly diagnosed patients using an electronic data form at local hospitals. Machine learning methods will be applied to these data to create and internally test a simple clinical prediction rule that flags patients at high risk of failing to engage with oncology care. The aim is a practical tool clinicians can use to target outreach and support to those who need it most.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients seen in the public healthcare sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Not a fit: People without a new colorectal cancer diagnosis, patients already consistently attending oncology care, or those treated only in private-sector settings are unlikely to be included or to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could target support to patients at high risk of dropping out, helping them stay in care and complete treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prediction rules and machine-learning tools have helped target care in other areas, but applying this approach specifically to colorectal cancer engagement in South Africa is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Durban, South Africa
- University of Kwazulu-Natal — Durban, South Africa (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moodley, Yoshan — University of Kwazulu-Natal
- Study coordinator: Moodley, Yoshan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.