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Immunotherapy in Māori primary care settings

Year:
2024
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$1,185,295.75
Researchers:
Dr Helen Wihongi
,
Mrs Te Hao Apaapa-Timu
,
Thomas Hauraki
,
Stella Williams-Terei
,
Dr Kimiora Henare
,
Dr Laird Cameron
,
Professor Cristin Print
,
Professor Rod Dunbar
Host:
Te Ira Tātai Whakaheke Trust
Health issue:
Cancer (oncology)
Proposal type:
Māori Health Project
Lay summary
The morbidity and mortality rates for Māori men with lung cancer are 1.6 times higher than for non-Māori. For Māori women, it is four times higher than for non-Māori women, the highest rate in the world. The root causes of poor health outcomes for Māori are multifactorial, resulting from colonisation and the subsequent legal and policy decisions, creating barriers to accessing quality healthcare. The current study is seeking to address some of these barriers and improve the longevity and quality of life for whānau living with lung cancer. The aim is to improve the quality of life for whānau Māori with lung cancer by administering immunotherapy closer to home. The objectives are (1) Māori engagement, (2) develop tikanga-based immunotherapy protocols, (3) identify and recruit whānau Māori with lung cancer, (4) administer immunotherapy in two Māori provider settings, (5) disseminate findings to key stakeholders to ensure benefits reach whānau.