NCCN NewsA New, Harmonized Approach Takes a Stand Against Rising Rates and Poor Outcomes for Cancer in Sub-Saharan AfricaThe Importance of a Partner in Cancer TherapyNCCN Annual Congress Explores Latest Advances in Treating Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Joan Carlson, Maria Mcclure
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2017)

NCCN has debuted brand new NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.These targeted recommendations, based on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines), were created in a joint effort by NCCN and the African Cancer Coalition, and presented for the first time as part of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) conference.The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines creation is part of a collaborative effort to combat the skyrocketing cancer rates and unique care circumstances in Sub-Saharan Africa.The collaboration also includes the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)."There are unique challenges for patients with cancer in this part of the world, but also many reasons to be hopeful," said Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN."Less than 10% of people with cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa currently receive pain relief, chemotherapy, or radiation. 1But the endless creativity, compassion, and know-how of the oncologists in the African Cancer Coalition is inspiring.By working together across the global community, we can make tremendous strides to address the rising mortality and poor early detection rates.""This extraordinary collaboration between African oncology experts and NCCN will make it easier for oncologists to access up-to-date clinical guidance and ensure the highest standard of care for their patients," said Meg O'Brien, PhD, Managing Director, Global Cancer Treatment, ACS."The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines empower patients and providers to focus on what is practical, achievable, and effective at present, while providing a template for future improvements and advances."The African Cancer Coalition comprises more than 40 oncologists from 12 countries throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.Working with NCCN Guidelines Panel Members, they created the first 8 NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa."This collaboration provides an opportunity to bring together leading African oncology experts and NCCN experts to develop clinical guidance that ensures our patients get access to the highest quality cancer care possible," said Jackson Orem, MD, Executive Director, Uganda Cancer Institute, and co-chair of the African Cancer Coalition.The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines offer 2 tiers of treatment recommendations for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, as well as B-cell lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, adult cancer pain, and palliative care.The different versions provide specific recommendations depending on access to resources like radiation equipment or laparoscopic surgical tools."It was a gratifying and inspiring experience to collaborate with and learn from our Sub-Saharan colleagues, who do hands-on work solving problems for patients every day," said Wui-Jin Koh, MD, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.Dr.