CApIC-ACE activated its second Cancer Genomics workshop for the month of May at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja G.R.A., Lagos, Nigeria. The aim of the workshop was to officially initiate and promote collaboration between CApIC-ACE and the Oncology partners at LASUTH to train national partners and stakeholders on cancer genomics in management of cancer patients.
To facilitate the workshop, the Centre Leader, Prof. Emeka Iweala accompanied by other experts in the field such as the Applied Research Coordinator, CApIC-ACE, Prof Solomon Rotimi, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, CApIC-ACE, Prof Olubanke Ogunlana, and Dr. Titilope Dokunmu, a Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry gave presentations on cancer genomics applications in medical practice.
The workshop began with a tour of LASUTH facilities and the LASUTH team led by Dr Olatunji introduced members of CApIC-ACE and the workshop participants to the unit head of Oncology, Dr Abiodun Popoola and the medical team including resident doctors, medical laboratory science students, technicians, and other stakeholders. Interactions ensued between the CApIC-ACE and LASUTH teams on how to understand the processes involved in patient recruitment and education, patient care, sample processing areas (laboratories) and other details on patient management. Dr. Popoola elaborated on the enormous time commitment required by the physicians to attend to regular clinics and research. CApIC-ACE presented freezers, centrifuge, etc. to the LASUTH team. There were also deliberations on modalities for a seamless collaboration between the two teams.
The second segment of the workshop held at the Oncology Department, where the CAPIC-ACE team engaged the participants (>30) in lectures, seminars and trainings required for sample collection, processing, analysis and applications of genomics in cancer research. The trainings/seminars were delivered by the Center professionals in an interactive session, enlightening students and the clinicians on the specific applications of genomics to benefit breast cancer patients at LASUTH. The workshop participants were introduced to sequencing technique, benefits for diagnosis and targeted treatment by Prof. Solomon Rotimi. The workshop session ended with a meet and greet, opportunities for graduate studies at Covenant University and plans on activating the MoU with Covenant University and further collaborations. The workshop was well attended by medical doctors, medical students and other stakeholders in cancer care management at LASUTH.
