1st Edition
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Global Strategies and African Perspectives
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Global Strategies and African Perspectives provides a comprehensive examination of pancreatic cancer, integrating global insights with an African-focused perspective. The book is structured into five sections, each addressing key aspects of the disease, from epidemiology to future innovations in care. Section I explores the global and African contexts, highlighting disparities in prevalence, diagnosis, and healthcare infrastructure. Section II delves into the biological and molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer, including genetic mutations and emerging therapeutic targets. Section III focuses on precision medicine and early detection, discussing advances such as artificial intelligence and biomarker-driven approaches. Section IV covers treatment strategies, from conventional therapies to novel interventions like immunotherapy and targeted treatments. Finally, Section V emphasizes the importance of advocacy, research, and policy reforms, outlining strategies for improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of pancreatic cancer care.
By bridging scientific advancements with real-world challenges, this book serves as an essential resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers working to enhance pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention—both in Africa and globally.
Key Features
Global and African Perspectives – Examines pancreatic cancer worldwide, with a focus on Africa’s unique challenges and healthcare disparities.
Advanced Scientific Insights – Explores molecular mechanisms, precision medicine, and AI-driven early detection.
Comprehensive Treatment – Covers surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Policy and Advocacy – Highlights research, healthcare policies, and strategies to improve patient care.
Chapter 1: The Pancreatic Cancer Landscape
1*Zodwa Dlamini, 1Rodney Hull, 2Fusi Madela, and 1,3,4Ravi Mehrotra.
Chapter 2: Epidemiology and Trends of Pancreatic Cancer in Africa
1*Zukile Mbita, 2Tebogo Marutha, 3Moshawa Khaba, 4Morgie Govender, 5,6Abidemi Omonisi, and 2Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 3: Molecular Pathways Driving Pancreatic Cancer
1*Rodney Hull, 1,2Thuso Molefi, 1,2Richard Khanyile, 3Boitumelo Phakathi, 4,5Fieke Froeling, and 1Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 4: Precision Medicine and Personalized Approaches
1*Rahaba Marima, 1,2Egnesious Sambo, 3Shonisani Tshidino, 4Francina Lebogang Bopape, 5Thabo Rampai, 6Geoffrey Liu, 1Thabiso Victor Miya, 1Ntombikayise Xelwa, 1Demetra Demetriou and 1Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 5: Diagnosis and Early Detection Strategies of Pancreatic Cancer
1,2*Sikhumbuzo Z. Mbatha, 3Onyemaechi O. Azu, 4Innocent A. Edagha, 5Laura Grech, 1Botle Damane, and 2Zodwa Dlamini
Chapter 6: Treatment Modalities and Innovations
1,2*Meshack Bida, 2Nissy Janda, 2Jessica McIntyre, 2Michelle McCabe, 3Mpho Kgomo, 1Talent Chipiti, 4Fieke Froeling and 1Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 7: Palliative Care and Quality of Life
1*Lloyd Mabonga, 1,2Thifhelimbilu Emmanuel Luvhengo, 3,4Ian C Chikanza, 1,3,4Georgios Lolas, and 1Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 8: Challenges in Access to Care in Pancreatic Cancer
1*Botle Precious Damane, 1Thanyani Mulaudzi, 1Tania Maphoso, 1Dakalo Ramali, 1Sikhumbuzo Mbatha, 2Guy Gaudji, 1,3Andreas M. Kaufmann, and 4Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 9: Patient Perspectives, Advocacy, and Community Engagement
1Talent Chipiti, 2 Mpho Kgomo, 3Kopang C. Mokhetho, 4Min Zhang, and 1Zodwa Dlamini
Chapter 10: Pancreatic Cancer Research and Innovation in Africa
1*Benny Mosoane, 2Ekene Emmanuel Nweke, 2Nnenna Elebo, 1Nolonwabo Moyakhe, 1Lesedi Nevondo, 1Jessica McIntyre, 1Dineo Disenyane, 3Bonolo Mashishi, 4,5Abidemi Omonisi and 4Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 11: Building Partnerships for Progress
*Thabiso Victor Miya, 2Godfrey Grech, and 1Zodwa Dlamini.
Chapter 12: Conclusion: A Roadmap for the Future of Pancreatic Cancer Care in Africa and Beyond
1*Zodwa Dlamini, 1,2Richard Khanyile, 1,2Thulo Molefi, 1Tebogo Marutha, 1Nkhensani Chauke-Malinga, and 1Rodney Hull.
Biography
Zodwa Dlamini is a Professor of Molecular Oncology and the founding Director and the Executive Head of the Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI) in South Africa. She is the Director of South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU). She is the DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP). She is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Advisory Group on Sub-Saharan Africa. She is a member of the AACR Pathology Resources in Africa Advisory Group. Professor Dlamini is a member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) Research Committee Scientific Advisory Board. She is an elected member of the Academy of Science of South Africa. Professor Dlamini is an overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (London) and a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
