Tele-Oncology: A Joint Web-Based Clinical Conference Between the Uganda Cancer Institute and the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center

Abstract

Abstract 47 Background: The increasing incidence of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has highlighted gaps in access to quality cancer care and subsequent poor outcomes. Two of the factors responsible for this disparity are the limited availability of diagnostic methods and the lack of trained oncologists. Tele-oncology, the application of web-based medical communications, has the potential to bridge the healthcare gap. Here we describe our 3-year experience linking resources between the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) in Seattle, WA and the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) Kampala, Uganda, via a monthly conference. Methods: We created a monthly teleconference, each focused on a specific disease group, to provide a clinical treatment and research forum between the UCI and FHCRC. Guided by patients seen at the UCI, clinicians in Uganda present clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data. Case presentations and supporting documents are provided and loaded on a central site. Faculty members from the FHCRC (medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and radiology, as applicable) are identified in advance and serve as discussants and assist in interpreting data, as well as provide guidance on clinical decision-making. Web conferencing is performed utilizing the Cisco WebEx platform. Results: To date, we have held 36 case conferences and have discussed the following malignancies: Leukemia (including myelodysplasia) (6), gastrointestinal (5), head/neck/lung (5), genitourinary (3), gynecologic (3), lymphoma (2), breast (2), plasma cell dyscrasia (1), soft tissue sarcoma (1), central nervous system (1) and other (5). Two conferences have focused specifically on palliative care. Two locally-relevant treatment guidelines, co-authored by colleagues from Uganda and Seattle, have been published for HIV-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma as a direct result of these conferences. Conclusions: The monthly teleconference has enhanced education, clinical practice, and collaboration between colleagues in Uganda and Seattle. Future opportunities include the initiation of a core oncology training curriculum, as well as video conferencing capabilities. Similar twinning programs between institutions in resource-rich and resource-limited countries are recommended. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Fred Okuku No relationship to disclose Manoj Menon No relationship to disclose Rachel Kansiime No relationship to disclose Jason Barrett No relationship to disclose Warren Phipps No relationship to disclose Nixon Niyonzima No relationship to disclose Matthew Ulrickson Speakers' Bureau: Incyte Jackson Orem No relationship to disclose Corey Casper Leadership: Temptime Corporation Consulting or Advisory Role: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Research Funding: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Glaxo Smith Kline, Temptime Corporation