Thomas A. Odeny, MD, MPH, PhD

• Global oncology
• Clinical trials in resource-limited settings
• Cancer in people living with HIV
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy for virus-associated cancers
• Implementation science

Dr. Thomas Odeny is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. He leverages his expertise in clinical medicine (MBChB, University of Nairobi; Internal Medicine, University of Missouri; Medical Oncology, US NIH/National Cancer Institute) and public health (MPH in Epidemiology and Global Health, PhD in Epidemiology, University of Washington) to bridge gaps in cancer care for underserved communities. His research focuses on global oncology, using implementation science and technological innovations to improve cancer prevention, care, and treatment efforts globally and increase access and representation of underrepresented groups in cancer clinical trials in Africa. His Angaza study in western Kenya aims to improve infrastructure for clinical trials through a comprehensive 10-year cohort of cancer patients, meticulously compiled to track and analyze the distribution and determinants of cancer within this population. By systematically collecting and organizing this data, the platform serves as a robust foundation for numerous clinical, policy, and research activities that will ultimately improve cancer care and outcomes for patients.

Equity is at the heart of Dr. Odeny’s research. As a 2023 recipient of the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award, he is examining ways to increase diversity in cancer clinical trials and expand treatment options for cancer in people living with HIV. His research on the genetic subtypes of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and their association with clinical severity of disease in western Kenya integrates patient data with genomic analyses to better understand diseases that disproportionately affect low-income, stigmatized, and marginalized communities globally. This research could lead to personalized treatment strategies for KSHV-related cancers.

His experience as a co-investigator on HIV care and treatment studies earlier in his career, informs his goal of integrating implementation science methods into global oncology. This includes his role as principal investigator on a multisite collaboration testing a novel 3D camera to improve care and treatment for Kaposi sarcoma patients. His research is supported by the National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society, Conquer Cancer/American Society of Clinical Oncology, and Washington University in St. Louis.

As a former NIH Fogarty fellow, Dr. Odeny seeks to pay it forward to future trainees in Global Oncology. He currently serves as Associate Director for the HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Health Implementation Research Institute (HIGH-IRI) program at Washington University. He also leads the Africa Regional Implementation Science Education Center for Global Oncology (ARISE-GO), an NCI-funded program that will equip future leaders to address cancer disparities in East Africa.