The need for research targeting the link between occupational carcinogens and hepatopancreatobiliary cancers in Africa: A systematic review

Nnenna Elebo; Mafuno Grace Mpinganjira; Pavan Baichan; John Devar; Jones Omoshoro-Jones; Joel Msafiri Francis; Martin Smith; Ekene Emmanuel Nweke

doi:10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102036

The need for research targeting the link between occupational carcinogens and hepatopancreatobiliary cancers in Africa: A systematic review

Transl Oncol. 2024 Sep:47:102036. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102036. Epub 2024 Jun 14.

Authors

Nnenna Elebo¹, Mafuno Grace Mpinganjira², Pavan Baichan³, John Devar⁴, Jones Omoshoro-Jones⁴, Joel Msafiri Francis², Martin Smith⁴, Ekene Emmanuel Nweke⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand. Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa; International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
² Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand. Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa.
³ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand. Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa.
⁴ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand. Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa; Hepatopancreatobiliary unit, Department of Surgery, Chris Hani-Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto Johannesburg, South Africa.
⁵ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand. Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, Roodepoort, South Africa. Electronic address: ekene.nweke@wits.ac.za.

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers encompassing malignancies of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and bile ducts pose a significant health burden in Africa. While the association of certain occupational carcinogens in cancer is well established globally, their potential role in HPB cancers remains understudied, especially in an African context.

Aim: This systematic review delves into the association between occupational carcinogens and HPB cancer in Africa. It examines the current state of research on occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, identifying key challenges and knowledge gaps.

Methods: This systematic review examined publications (published between 01 January 2012 and 31 May 2023) that highlight occupational carcinogens and HBP cancers in Africa. The search was conducted on electronic databases namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Africa Wide Information.

Result: Due to the lack of information on the association between occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, as a result of the paucity of published studies, only four articles were included in this study. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the predominant cancer associated with the occupational carcinogen, aflatoxin. Agricultural workers, especially those involved in the production and processing of maize and peanuts, appear to be the most exposed to aflatoxin.

Conclusion: Despite the sample size limitations due to the paucity of research studies on occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, this study provides a reasonable tool for subsequent epidemiological studies. There is a need for more research on the association of occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, especially with the growing industrialization.

Keywords: Aflatoxins; Africa; HCC; Hepatopancreatobiliary cancers; Occupational carcinogens.