Uganda Cancer Institute committee hailed for research work

RESEARCH

The Uganda Cancer Institute Research and Ethics Committee (UCIREC) has been praised for its role in overseeing scientific research on the treatment and care of cancer patients at the institute.

Dr. Martin Patrick Ongol is the acting executive secretary at the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST).

He said UCIREC does high quality reviews of scientific proposals submitted to the cancer institute to protect the humans undergoing research.  

“We have never had any controversies coming out of the UCIREC. They have confidence to reject proposals and are recognized as one of the best in Africa."

This was during a function in Kampala to recognize the impact of the members of the UCIREC.

Ongol explained that because of the support from research and ethics committees and other institutional arrangements, there have not been any scandals on research on treatment and care of cancer patients at the institute and in other organizations.

It is understood UNCST receives threats about comments on scientific research work. Urging scientists to maintain the trust of society in their work, Ongol said their comments challenge scientists to follow scientific protocols.

The UNCST chief talked of pressure from traditional medical practitioners to use their medicines for treating cancer. The cause and effect of their medicines must be proved.

“UNCST will promote ethical research in the country. Decent allowances are needed to support committees overseeing tedious studies of over 3,000 pages,” Ongol added.

Meanwhile, gene therapy promises to be a good technique for managing difficult diseases like cancer. Protocols are being set up to begin its research in cancer treatment and for other diseases.

'Bombarded'

Dr. Fred Nakwagala, the chairperson at the Forum for Research Ethics Chairpersons of Uganda, said research ethics committees have to be independent and receive adequate financial support.

"We have been bombarded by herbal medicine and they have to follow scientific rigor."

“Bioethics is an art which provides the framework for protecting humans involved in research. Uganda is the second-best in Africa following South Africa for excellent research on humans,” said Nakwagala, who is also a senior consultant at Mulago Hospital.

Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, the head of research and training at the Uganda Cancer Institute, said they are working to set up a scientific review committee at the institute to improve the quality of research.  

"The research on patients, if not well done, can lead to the violation of rights, manipulation, sickness and death. When body samples are taken for research, it has to be done respectfully,” said Dr. David Kyaddondo, the UCIREC chairperson.

UCIREC undertakes 40 to 50 reviews and renewals of scientific research proposals yearly.

Kyaddondo, who is also a lecturer at Makerere University Child Health and Development Centre, underlined the need for research on herbal medicines to determine which type of cancers they can cure.