Capacity building for the clinical investigation of aids malignancy in East Africa

Abstract

Purpose: To build capacity in the resource-poor selling to support the clinical investigation and treatmcnt of AID -related malignancies in a region of the world hardest hit by the AIDs pandemic. Methods: An initial MEDLINE database search for interrnational collaborative partnershlps dedicated to AID malignancies in developing 30 countries failed to identify any leads, This search prompted us to report progress on our cotlaboration in this aspect of the epidemic. Building on the formal Uganda-Case Western Reserve University (Case) Research Collaboration dating back to 1987, established NlHl-supported centers of research excellence at Case and expanding activities in Kenya, scientific and training initiatives, research capital amongst our institutions are emerging to sustain an international research enterprise focused on AIDS and other viral-related malignancies, A platform of clinical research trials with pragmatic design has been developed to further enhance clinical care and sustain training initiatives with partners in Eas Africa and the United States. An oral chemotherapy feasibility trial in AIDS lymphoma is near completion: a second lymphoma trial of byrostatin and vincristine is anticipated and a Ieasibility trial of indinavir for endamic Kaposi 's sarcomna is planned. Conclusions: In the absence of published reports of evolving international partnerships dedicated to AIDS malignancy in resource constrained settings, we feel it important for such progress on similar or related international collaborative pursuits to be published. The success of this effort is realized by the long-term international commitment of the collaborating investigators and institutions to sustain this efforts in keeping with ethical and NIH standards for the conduct of research; the provision of formal training of investigators and research