Liver cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related death. In many countries across sub-Saharan Africa, liver cancer often affects young people, largely due to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection that progresses to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Because many patients seek medical help too late, treatment is often ineffective.
To address this urgent public health challenge, the Prolifica project (Prevention Of Liver Fibrosis & Cancer in Africa), funded by the European Commission, is conducting groundbreaking research to reduce the burden of chronic liver disease in Africa.
Understanding Cirrhosis and Hepatitis B
- Cirrhosis is the advanced scarring of the liver caused by long-term damage. It involves the replacement of healthy liver cells with fibrous (scar) tissue, leading to impaired liver function.
- Hepatitis B virus infection is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in Africa and Asia, whereas in Europe and North America, excessive alcohol consumption is a major driver of cirrhosis.
- Over time, chronic hepatitis B can progress to fibrosis, then cirrhosis, and finally hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
Why Liver Cancer is a Growing Concern in Africa
- Liver cancer caused by HBV is one of the most common cancers in Africa.
- It often strikes young adults, reducing life expectancy and creating a significant economic and healthcare burden.
- Because access to healthcare is limited in many regions, patients often arrive at hospitals in advanced stages when treatment is no longer effective.
This highlights the urgent need for early screening, preventive measures, and affordable diagnostic tools in rural communities.
Prolifica’s Research Goals
The Prolifica project focuses on two key objectives:
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Demonstrating that early screening and treatment of chronic hepatitis B reduces liver cancer cases in Africa.
- By identifying people with chronic HBV infection early, doctors can provide antiviral treatment to slow down disease progression.
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Proving that liver cancer can be detected early and treated effectively.
- Early-stage liver cancer is more manageable with modern therapies and surgery.
Biomarker-Based Testing for Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer
One of the innovative aspects of the project is the development of a urine-based biomarker test.
- This test will help distinguish between liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Unlike hospital-based diagnostics, this test can be used in local rural clinics and villages across Africa, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to specialized hospitals.
- Such innovations are critical for resource-limited settings where advanced diagnostic equipment is not widely available.
Impact of the Prolifica Project in Africa
The study involves 13,000 patients across Gambia, Senegal, and Nigeria. Its outcomes are expected to:
- Provide strong evidence for Hepatitis B screening programs in Africa.
- Reduce the prevalence of liver cancer linked to HBV infection.
- Deliver a cost-effective, non-invasive diagnostic tool for liver disease detection.
- Strengthen public health systems in African countries by integrating prevention and treatment.
Conclusion
The Prolifica project represents a milestone in the fight against hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in Africa. By focusing on screening, prevention, and innovative biomarker tests, this research has the potential to save thousands of lives and transform healthcare in resource-limited communities.
Investing in hepatitis B prevention, early detection of liver fibrosis, and treatment of chronic infection is not only crucial for Africa but also a step toward reducing the global burden of liver cancer.