Identification of Human Herpesvirus 8 Sequences in Conjunctiva Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Ugandan Patients.

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa with temporal trends similar to those of Kaposi sarcoma (KS). Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV8), has not yet been investigated in conjunctiva tumors. In this study biopsies and PBMCs of conjunctiva neoplasia patients along with nonneoplastic conjunctiva tissues have been analyzed for HHV8 sequences by PCR targeting ORF26.

Improving survival of retinoblastoma in Uganda.

Background: Diagnostic delay results in relatively high mortality among children with retinoblastoma in Uganda, where treatment was limited to surgery and, for some, radiotherapy. In order to improve outcomes, a simple programme of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy was introduced. Here we report survival before and after this change to medical practice.

Clinical features and survival among children with retinoblastoma in Uganda.

Aims: To characterise the clinical features, treatment and outcome of children diagnosed with retinoblastoma in Uganda.

Methods: The study comprised a 6-year nationwide enrolment with follow-up.

Results: In total, 282 cases were enrolled, 26% (72) were bilateral; 6% were lost to follow-up.

TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and risk of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in Uganda.

Background: The most common TP53 gene polymorphism, which alters the amino acid sequence of the oncosuppressor p53 protein, is located at the codon 72, resulting in either Pro72 or Arg72 p53 variant. Several studies have associated this polymorphism with different types of cancer. We have analyzed the distribution and the role of TP53 Arg72 and Pro72 alleles in conjunctival neoplasia.