Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common and lethal cancer in Africa, and as patients with HIV live longer, the HCC burden may increase. In prior studies, our team identified chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), HIV and Schistosomiasis mansoni as independent risk factors for HCC. Compared to the US, HCC in sub-Saharan Africa occurs at younger age and more advanced stage with survival of only months. Proposed is an East and West African partnership between colleagues at Makerere University in Uganda, Fann University in Senegal and Johns Hopkins University focused on HIV and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Africa: The H2A Consortium. Building on long-standing collaborative research, mentoring and clinical activities in both countries, our overarching goal is to reduce the heavy burden of HCC in sub- Saharan Africa. We advocate investigating cancer interception strategies using appropriate medical treatments to interrupt or reverse the impact of these HCC-causing infections. We will accomplish this objective by developing local capacity and performing important research. The Consortium represents a complex partnership between investigators, staff, hospitals, and universities in 4 countries representing East and West Africa, Switzerland and USA, with 6 clinical sites, 4 primary laboratories, and ~20 coinvestigators speaking English and French. The Clinical and Data Quality Core (CDQ) is designed to support the standardized rigorous data collection, management and analysis of Consortium data. CDQ will ensure that high quality data is rigorously collected, that assessment of clinical measurements and laboratory testing be standardized between sites, that data harmonization be effectively performed, and that high quality analytical datasets be produced in a timely manner. CDQ Core provides support for both Projects and to pilot projects through the Developmental Core. Support to both the scientific and capacity development objectives ensures that comprehensive, systematic and rigorous data collection, management and analysis in Consortium projects will appropriately maximize resources and have a high likelihood of scientific impact.
