Evaluating The Effectiveness of Cancer Treatment Protocols Across Different Modalities of Treatments on Diagnosed Cancer Cases at The Cancer Research Institute, David Umahi University Teaching Hospital: Trends And Pattern Study
Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with treatment
outcomes influenced by the choice and combination of therapeutic modalities. In low and middle-income
settings, including Nigeria, variability in access to and effectiveness of cancer treatment protocols poses
significant challenges to optimal patient outcomes. Evaluating the effectiveness of existing treatment
modalities is essential for evidence-based improvements in cancer care.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatment protocols across different
treatment modalities among diagnosed cancer patients managed at the Cancer Research Institute,
David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu.
Methods: A retrospective observational study design was employed, involving a review of medical
records of patients with histologically confirmed malignancies managed at the Cancer Research
Institute, DUFUTH, Uburu, between January 2023 to December 2025. Patients were categorized
based on treatment modality, including surgery alone, chemotherapy alone, radiotherapy alone, and
combined modality therapy. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using clinical response, treatment
outcome, and clinical follow up. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: A total of 253 cancer patient records were analyzed between January 2023 to December 2025,
out of which, 145 (57.3%) were males while 108(42.7%) where females. Prostate cancer toping all
other malignant condition followed by breast cancer and cervical cancers.
Combined modality therapy demonstrated superior treatment effectiveness, evidenced by higher rates
of treatment completion, treatment follow up and disappearance of symptoms following treatment
compared to single-modality treatments. Patients who received surgery combined with adjuvant
chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy showed better follow up and clinical outcomes than those managed
with chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Treatment interruptions and incomplete treatment were
associated with poorer outcomes across all modalities. Among all the modalities of treatment, most
of the cancer patients received Radiotherapy much more than other treatment modalities and among
the single modalities of treatment, radiotherapy was more effective than chemotherapy. However,
combination of therapy yielded a more effective treatment with more stable outcome and less treatment
failure and follow-up.
Conclusion: Combined treatment modality protocol for cancer treatment was more effective than singlemodality
approaches among patients managed at DUFUTH, Uburu. Strengthening multidisciplinary
cancer care, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring treatment continuity are critical to enhancing
cancer treatment outcomes in this setting.
