About AFROC

The African Initiative Against Oesophageal Cancer (AFROC) is a collaborative effort dedicated to combating oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma across Africa. By connecting clinicians, scientists, and institutions, AFROC is advancing awareness, education, research, and multidisciplinary treatment in the region. Together, we are building a stronger future in the fight against oesophageal cancer.

# The African Initiative Against Oesophageal Cancer (AFROC)

About AFROC

This project is funded by the International Cancer Foundation (ICF) for the period 2024–2026, and is co-led by Prof. Florian Lordick (Leipzig University, Germany) and Dr. Michael Mwachiro (Avenue Hospital, Kenya). AFROC aims to strengthen collaboration and build expertise among East African clinicians and scientists in the field of oesophageal cancer. A particular focus is on assessing the current challenges in local environments and enhancing awareness, education, and multidisciplinary treatment skills to address oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Africa. The African Initiative against Oesophageal Cancer (AFROC) aims at improving the access to care, survival outcomes and quality of life for African OSCC patients by forming a strong network consisting of African and non-African experts. The project is structured around key work packages:

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22

Participants
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7+

Countries
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Lives Impacted

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The project is structured around six key work packages:
Work Packages

Through initiatives like the ESMO Preceptorship in Nairobi (Feb 2024), the MoU with ICI on Virtual Tumor Boards (VTBs), the development of Africa-specific Oesophageal Cancer Guidelines (using the Delphi method), and participation in the ESMO Summit in South Africa, we are building strong networks to raise public awareness and promote sustainability.

WP1: Expert Network Formation

Led by Michael Mwachiro (Kenya) and Florian Lordick (Germany)

By delivering WEO online training (focused on epidemiology in Africa, endoscopic diagnosis and techniques), job shadowing opportunities in Portugal, and on-the-job training in Africa, we are equipping healthcare professionals with critical skills for early detection and intervention.

WP2: Endoscopy Training

Led by Amos Mwasamwaja (Tanzania), Mario Dinis Ribeiro (Portugal), and Lars Abakken (Norway)

Through online surgical trainings, a Hybrid Nordic Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Surgery Course, and visits by European surgeons to African centers, we are strengthening surgical expertise to improve patient outcomes.

WP3: Surgery Training

Led by Mahlet Tesfaye (Ethiopia) and Magnus Nilsson (Sweden)

We are advancing pathology standards with online training sessions and hands-on onsite training at selected African sites and in Amsterdam, ensuring accurate diagnosis and staging for better treatment planning.

WP4: Pathology Training

Led by Deogratus Ruhangaza (Rwanda) and Nicole van Grieken (Netherlands)

Our regular Monthly Virtual Tumor Boards (VTBs), featuring cases from both Europe and Africa, foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in oncology practice.

WP5: Medical and Radiation Oncology Training

Led by Duvern Ramiah (South Africa), Radka Obermannová (Czech Republic), and Peter Vuylsteke (Botswana)

Through the Clinical Investigator Training Program, conducted alongside the ESMO Preceptorship, we are preparing a new generation of clinical researchers to lead impactful trials across the continent.

WP6: Clinical Trial Training

Led by Mansoor Saleh (Kenya), Chite Asirwa (Kenya), and Alex Adjei (United States)
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