OTHR-05 FEASIBILITY STUDY ON BRAIN TUMOR BIOBANKING AND REGISTRY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED SURVEY

Brain tumors constitute significant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improvements in neuro-oncology practice and research have seen increased diagnosis of brain tumors. However, to our knowledge, there have been no previous projects on brain tumor genetics in SSA. To understand the feasibility of developing brain tumor biobanking and registries, this project aims to start by mapping out the current neuro-oncology capacity in terms of workforce and available services.

We will conduct a descriptive questionnaire-based online survey among a cross section of neuro-oncology practitioners spread across SSA countries. The dissemination of the survey questionnaire will be facilitated by the Society for Neuro-oncology in SSA (SNOSSA). The Google designed questionnaire will capture information on the distribution, and number of available neuro-oncology care practitioners, capacity for brain tumor diagnosis and management, cancer registration, tumor biobanking, and research.

This study will generate robust data from SSA, which can be used to improve future research and promote advocacy towards brain tumor diagnosis and management. This work will also serve as a pilot study for subsequent research that will focus on the development of brain tumor-specific registries and biorepositories in SSA.