Sub-regional networking in neuro-oncology: towards a West African collaborative platform

Abstract

Abstract Background Central nervous system tumors present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, as WHO histomolecular prognostic criteria are not always optimal. Decision-making increasingly relies on multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs), which require highly qualified specialists. We aimed to assess available human resources and propose a framework for subregional collaboration through a West African neuro-oncology MDT. Methodology A multicenter descriptive study was conducted via an online questionnaire from April 13 to June 15, 2025, involving 35 healthcare professionals from nine West African countries. Results Participants included 45.7% neurosurgeons, over 57% with <3 years’ experience. Most managed <100 patients/year, and 90% performed <100 tumor excisions. Awake surgery and stereotactic biopsy were rare. Access to chemotherapy, pathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology was reported by 83%, 80%, 51%, and 14% of respondents, respectively. Median turnaround time was about 3 weeks for histopathology and about 1 month for immunohistochemistry. Clinical trial access was available to 26%. Neurosurgeon density was <1 per million inhabitants, peaking in Senegal (1 per 700,000). Only 34% reported functional MDTs. Nearly all participants (95%) supported establishing a subregional network with regular online MDTs (monthly or bimonthly) and a specialized interuniversity degree. Conclusion MDTs are essential in neuro-oncology, enabling individualized therapeutic planning. Given critical workforce shortages in West Africa, a subregional collaborative MDT network could optimize patient care, enhance resource sharing, and standardize management across the region.