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 H2A Scholar Award provides synergistic funding to early-stage African investigators for both individual career development activities and a mentored pilot project utilizing the substantive Consortium resources. Designation of Scholars will alternate yearly between Uganda and Senegal and opportunities to link across countries and with Hopkins will actively be pursued. Our approach of providing early-stage African investigators with substantive pilot project resources and pairing them with a Hopkins mentor will maximize the return on investment. The ultimate goal is to develop a cadre of talented, qualified African investigators to serve as leaders in the field of HIV and HCC research.
