"Neuro-oncology research in Nigeria: a great untapped potential".

"Neuro-oncology research in Nigeria: a great untapped potential".

World Neurosurg. 2019 Jan 16;:

Authors: Adekanmbi A, Peters KB, Razis E, Adeolu AA, Lukas RV, Balogun JA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and has sub-optimal access to neuro-oncology care. It has been estimated that there is approximately 1 neurosurgeon to 2.4 million people in the country, with only few of these trained in the neuro-oncology sub-specialty and no dedicated medical or radiation neurooncologists. There is a paucity of information on the field of neuro-oncology in Nigeria. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of the current state of neuro-oncology literature in Nigeria.
METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed, utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed, and African Journals Online, to search for articles related to neuro-oncology in Nigeria, from 1963-2018. Articles were reviewed and categorized.
RESULTS: Sixty-three relevant articles were identified. They comprised original research in basic science (N= 1), clinical science (N = 59), and reviews (n=3). Retrospective case series were the most common type of publication. Categorizing according to histology, articles focused on meningioma (N=12), pituitary tumors (N=10), glioma (N=7), CNS metastases (N=6), multiple histologic types (N=25) and other types of tumors (N=3). Eight pediatric neuro-oncology publications were amongst these. Two manuscripts, focusing on surgical subjects, specifically addressed issues on neuro-oncology clinical practice in Nigeria. Of the total manuscripts, 26 were published in Nigerian based journals, and 37 in journals outside Nigeria. The majority of the journals were low impact factor journals. An increasing number of publications over time was noted.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a small but growing scholarly literature in neuro-oncology from Nigeria. However, there continues to be room for growth in neuro-oncology research output. With Nigeria's large patient population, there is potential to learn and add to the academic literature. While there are logistical obstacles to both patient care and research in neuro-oncology in Nigeria, there is promise for favorable advancement.

PMID: 30659966 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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