Publication pathways and impact metrics of African cancer research presented at major international conferences.

Abstract

e23391 Background: Despite bearing a disproportionate share of the global cancer burden, African researchers remain under-represented in global oncology publications. We evaluated publication outcomes and scientific impact of cancer research abstracts presented by African researchers at major international oncology conferences. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of abstracts presented by African researchers in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) meetings over a seven-year period. Abstracts were tracked for subsequent peer-reviewed publication using PubMed and Google Scholar. Journal impact factors were obtained from Journal Citation Reports and categorized as high (≥10), medium (3–9.9), or low ( < 3). Citation counts were categorized as high ( > 30), medium (11–30), or low (≤10). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with publication. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Chi-square tests were performed to assess the association between last-author nationality and conference venue and publication status. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with publication. All analyses were performed using STATA v19, and a p -value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total 1,213 abstracts presented by African researchers affiliated with African institutions at major international oncology conferences were identified, the majority from AORTIC (91.1%), followed by ASCO (4.7%) and ESMO (4.2%), of which 333 (27.5%) were subsequently published. Abstracts with non-African last authors had significantly higher publication rates compared with those with African last authors (33.4% vs 16.5%, p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, non-African last authorship was independently associated with higher odds of publication (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0–3.6; p = 0.001). Conference venue was not significantly associated with publication outcomes. Journal impact factor did not differ significantly by conference or last-author nationality; however, abstracts with non-African last authors were more likely to achieve higher citation counts (p = 0.014). Conclusions: Fewer than one-third of African cancer research abstracts progress to full publication, with authorship position strongly influencing dissemination and impact. Addressing structural inequities in authorship, mentorship, and publication support is essential to advance health equity in global oncology.