Cohort of lymphoma patients in Malawi
LCCC 1229: Developing a Prospective Lymphoma Clinical Cohort in Malawi
This study is trying to track the health and treatment results of at least 800 lymphoma patients in Malawi over two years to better understand their condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Ages | 0 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lilongwe) |
| Trial ID | NCT02835911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational cohort study aims to establish a large prospective longitudinal clinical cohort of lymphoma patients at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi. The study will enroll at least 800 patients with suspected lymphoma, performing core biopsies for accurate histopathologic characterization. Researchers will systematically collect clinical and laboratory data and follow patients with confirmed hematologic malignancies for two years to assess treatment outcomes. After two years, patients will be contacted every six months for five years to monitor their vital status.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 5 years old referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital with clinically suspected lymphoma.
Not a fit: Patients with prior or concurrent histologically confirmed cancer diagnoses or those living more than 200 kilometers from Kamuzu Central Hospital may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the understanding and management of lymphoma in Malawi, leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel for the region, similar cohort studies in other settings have shown success in improving patient care and outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Criteria: Inclusion Criteria: * Referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) with clinically suspected lymphoma based on clinical impression of referring providers Age \>5 years, or ≤5 years only if lymphoma has already been pathologically confirmed. * No prior or concurrent histologically confirmed cancer diagnosis or receipt of cancer treatment. * Residence \<200 kilometers from KCH. Able to understand and comply with study procedures for the entire length of the study, with assistance of parent or guardian as applicable. * Subject (or parent or guardian as applicable) able to understand and provide written consent in English or Chichewa. * Informed consent reviewed and signed by patient, or for pediatric patients, from parent or guardian. Exclusion Criteria: * There are no exclusion criteria other than failure to meet inclusion criteria listed above. * Patients may consent to participation in the study but refuse directed genomic analysis of their lymphoma specimens.
Where this trial is running
Lilongwe
- UNC Project — Lilongwe, Malawi (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Satish Gopal, MD — UNC-Ch
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.