Defining national research priorities for prostate cancer in Zambia: using the Delphi process for comprehensive cancer policy setting in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES: Locally led research on cancer is needed in sub-Saharan Africa to set feasible research priorities that inform national policy. The aim of this project was to develop a research agenda for national cancer control planning, using a nationally driven approach, focused on barriers to diagnosis and high-quality treatment for prostate cancer in Zambia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This was a Delphi process. 29 stakeholders were scored barriers on feasibility, the proportion of patients affected, the impact on patient outcomes and if there was a potential to address health systems barriers meaningfully. There were three rounds (R) to the process: (R1 and R2) by electronic survey and (R3) in-person meeting. In R1 statements scoring above 15 from over 70% of participants were prioritised immediately for R3 discussion. Those scoring below 30% were dropped and those in between were re-surveyed in R2. RESULTS: 22 and 17 of the 29 stakeholders responded to R1 and R2. 14 stakeholders attended R3. National priority research areas for prostate cancer in Zambia were identified as prostate cancer awareness; building affordable high-quality diagnostic capacity; affordability of specialist cancer treatments; supporting better access to medicines; delivery and coordination of services across the pathway and staff training. CONCLUSION: The suggested seven priority areas allow for the development of the prostate cancer control programme to be conducted in a holistic manner. The expectation is with this guidance international partners can contribute within the frameworks of the local agenda for sustainable development to be realised.