Developing a Prospective Lymphoma Clinical Cohort in Malawi to Study Hematologic Malignancies

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are developing a large, prospective clinical cohort of lymphoma patients in Malawi to address the current lack of detailed data from sub-Saharan Africa. This observational registry study aims to better understand lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies by enrolling at least 800 patients suspected of having lymphoma. The study is led by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and focuses on collecting accurate diagnosis and clinical information over time. Patients referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital with suspected lymphoma will undergo core biopsies for precise histopathologic diagnosis. Those confirmed with hematologic malignancies will receive treatment following local standards of care. Participants will be followed actively in clinic for two years after diagnosis, with continued telephone follow-up every six months for up to five years to assess their health status. Patients who remain well may be discharged from active clinic follow-up after two years but will still be contacted to monitor their vital status. During the study, researchers will systematically collect clinical and laboratory data consistent with international standards, including quality of life assessments and viral markers related to lymphoma. The study aims to standardize and improve the consistency of lymphoma patient monitoring at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Data collected will help assess patient outcomes and better characterize lymphoma in this region over a five-year period.

Clinical Cohort of Lymphoma Patients in Malawi