PhD Candidate Profile: Eric Torgbenu

What is your research about?

The LMIC (low and middle-income countries) cancer-related lymphoedema project aims to identify opportunities to strengthen care for people with cancer-related lymphoedema living in LMIC. There is currently little information available to guide policymakers and health workers in LMIC to identify, assess and implement strategies to optimise care outcomes for people living with cancer-related lymphoedema in these countries. Better understanding the incidence/prevalence of cancer-related lymphoedema in LMIC, and identifying opportunities to improve care outcomes in low resource setting is urgently required to optimise early diagnosis, assessment and management for this population. The LMIC cancer-related lymphoedema project consisting of three discrete studies, including: 1) a systematic review and meta-analysis; 2) an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study with global clinical experts working in LMIC; and 3) an online modified Delphi study to identify evidence based strategies for the management of cancer-related lymphoedema in LMIC will seek to answer these three main questions: 1. What is the prevalence and incidence of secondary lymphoedema related to cancer and/or its treatment in LMIC, and what are the risk factors? 2. How is cancer-related lymphoedema diagnosed, assessed and managed in LMIC, and what are the related barriers and facilitators to improving care outcomes? 3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of existing guidelines for cancer-related lymphoedema care for the LMIC context, and what adaptations are needed? The results will help inform ways to improve diagnosis, assessment and management of cancer-related lymphoedema in LMIC.

What is the translational application of your research?

This research seeks to identify opportunities to strengthen the diagnosis, assessment and management of cancer-related secondary lymphoedema in low and middle-income countries. The final stage of the research will contribute to new, adapted guidelines for cancer-related lymphoedema care in LMIC from those developed for high income countries. People living with cancer-related lymphoedema in LMIC will benefit from better care and outcomes. Health professionals in LMIC will have increased knowledge in how to manage lymphoedema including cancer-related lymphoedema. People living with cancer-related lymphoedema will have available document, which highlights knowledge and understanding on cancer care.

How would the TCRN PhD top-up Scholarship help you succeed?

The TCRN PhD Top-up Scholarship will provide a strong foundation of research support services and professional development. Also, the opportunity presented by the TCRN in mentorship and shaping of young researchers in translational cancer research will increase my capabilities and experience in the field of cancer research. The funds will also help me to attend training seminars/workshops that will improve my skills and knowledge in the field of cancer research. This will enable me to complete the PhD project in a timely manner.