KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 2, 2024

Kennesaw State University professor Herman “Gene” Ray has received a grant from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya to understand the relationship between access to treatment and outcomes in the presence of healthcare reforms enacted in Kenya.

Ray, a faculty member in KSU’s School of Data Science and Analytics, will leverage his experience in biostatistics, clinical trials, and data analysis to tackle pressing healthcare challenges. Through his research, he will develop data-driven insights that guide the creation of cost-effective and sustainable cancer treatment protocols.

His research partnership was sparked by a conversation with a colleague familiar with the National Institute of Kenya and their mission. This connection led to a collaborative opportunity with the NCI of Kenya and is driven by Ray's passion for improving cancer care outcomes.

"After looking at data, it became clear that Kenya's healthcare system was different from the U.S. in many ways," Ray said. "They have a socialized healthcare system, and for each patient in their cancer registry, there’s corresponding claims data, which is harder to find in the U.S. This data is crucial for understanding how factors like access, delays, and policy affect outcomes."

KSU College of Computing and Software Engineering  dean Sumanth Yenduri commended Ray on his insightful research.

“Dr. Ray’s research is meaningful and impactful,” Yenduri said. “I congratulate him on landing this grant which will now give CCSE researchers the opportunity to contribute and provide solutions to improve treatment access.”

The research focuses on both direct and indirect costs, such as medication, hospitalization, and financial barriers, to understand how these factors impact Kenyans. The project is expected to run through 2025.

“We’re analyzing everything from the cost of delayed treatments to the effectiveness of outpatient versus inpatient care,” Ray said. “Ultimately, we aim to identify treatment protocols that improve survival rates and are sustainable within Kenya’s healthcare system.”

Another focus of the research is the financial strain that impacts a patient’s compliance to treatment. Many patients are forced to prioritize basic needs like food and housing over medical care, leading to delayed or skipped treatments, which can worsen their health.

“In Kenya, as in the U.S., cost concerns often delay treatment,” Ray said. “But in cancer, delays can lead to disease progression and higher costs later on. We’re studying the timing of treatments to understand their impact on both cost and survival.”

Ray’s research also looks to provide evidence-based insights that could shape policies and improve resource allocation for cancer care in Kenya.

“We hope this data will help Kenyan policymakers make informed decisions on how to assign resources effectively and give residents the timely care they need,” he said.

The long-term vision for the project is to train the next generation of data scientists, particularly those from Kenya, to build local expertise in healthcare data analysis. By providing hands-on experience and mentorship, Ray hopes to empower students to take ownership of the research, ensuring the sustainability and continuation of the work even after the project ends.

“Involving students is key,” Ray said. “We want to train Kenyan students in data science methods and have them take ownership of this research in the future. By doing this, the residents of Kenya will be in good hands for years to come.”

Kennesaw State master’s and Ph.D. students are playing an important role in the project. Their involvement covers all areas from contributing to the study design, analyzing data, and proposing new research directions. This offers real-world practice and application of the academic training.

Ray’s work has global implications, as the lessons learned in Kenya could inform cancer care in other developing nations. He hopes to apply these findings to improve healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in areas where resources are scarce.  

“If we can make a difference in Kenya, we can apply similar strategies in other countries facing similar challenges,” Ray said.

Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo by Matthew Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.