A change roadmap towards research paradigm in low-resource countries: retinoblastoma model in Egypt

Research on childhood diseases represents a great global challenge. This challenge is maximized in both childhood cancer disciplines and developing world. In this paper, we aim at describing our institution experience in starting a structured childhood cancer research program in one of the developing countries in a short time based on philanthropic efforts. We used retinoblastoma as an example for what was conducted in this program. Starting in 2008, this program included improving clinical practice and its related supporting services besides developing new research services that both complement the clinical activities and pave the way towards creating a research foundation in the country. Results included developing hospital standard treatment protocols, developing national clinical trials, joining international consortia for childhood cancers clinical trials, developing data collection tools and real-time analytics, establishing a biobanking facility, and developing highly qualified team for conducting clinical, epidemiologic, and translational research studies. Moreover, this effort resulted in improving both clinical practice and patients’ awareness nationally. This model can be used for other startup facilities that aim at finding answers for their national health problems in low-resource setting.