Miriam Mutebi: Basic science is the foundation upon which modern cancer care is built

Miriam Mutebi shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Basic science is the foundation upon which modern cancer care is built.

Its significance is especially pronounced in Africa, where cancer care faces unique challenges: limited resources, infrastructure gaps, and diverse genetics.

At AORTIC- Africa, we heavily support and invest in basic science research across the continent. Our African Basic Translational Science special interest group focuses on increasing personalised care through collaborative efforts.

It aims to understand African cancers fundamental biology, generate, test new ideas, principles, and theories about the disease that affect people of African ancestry.

We’ve also developed a recurring genomics conference that brings together the brightest minds. (Our basic and translational research conference is in Feb 2025, stay tuned).

Shout out to our researchers Makoha Francis, Solomon Rotimi (part of our current research committee) and Sulma Ibrahim Mohammed, who strive to advance basic science research in Africa.

Science development often starts with basic research in labs and translational studies with animals, often linked to clinical trials. The journey from bench to bedside can take 15-20 years for a drug to fully develop.

Basic science researchers, the unsung heroes of cancer care, work tirelessly behind the scenes, embodying the Samuel Beckett principle: ‘Fail, fail again, fail better,’ learning from each setback to refine their understanding.

A 2022 research article published in the Daily Nation, quotes: ‘Western medicine sometimes doesn’t work as expected in African patients’, citing malaria disease.

This observation, though somewhat simplistic, underscores a critical point that some may miss: Africa has the highest genetic biodiversity, meaning understanding how cancers behave in our populations is crucial—not just for Africa, but for the world.

Our diversity makes Africa a focal point for global research, as insights gained here can benefit populations worldwide.

Basic science research focuses on 3 key areas:

• Exploring the Root of Cancer: i.e. understanding how cancer develops at the cellular level. This research identifies unique genetic mutations and environmental factors, leading to targeted therapies that improve outcomes locally and globally.
• Paving the Way for Early Detection: Early detection helps identify biomarkers crucial for early diagnosis, especially in Africa, where late-stage diagnoses are common, enabling earlier interventions and improves survival rates.
• Driving Innovation in Treatment: Many advanced cancer therapies originate from basic research. In Africa, where access to these therapies is limited, such research is crucial for developing effective, less toxic treatments, offering hope to patients with constrained healthcare resources.

Basic science is not just theoretical—it’s the foundation of progress in cancer care, turning today’s discoveries into tomorrow’s treatments and diagnostics.”

Source: Miriam Mutebi/LinkedIn

More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi on oncodaily.com

Miriam Mutebi is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the President of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), past president of the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) and on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

She is the co-founder of the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons and is part of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons. She is an avid supporter for the education and support for women, especially in surgery and she aims to provide mentorship for women in surgery and to improve women’s health and surgical care in Africa. She is currently pursuing a pilot’s license in order to extend breast care services to marginalized areas.