Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Tanzania
We are the clinicians working to change that. THPBA is a multidisciplinary group of surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists working to improve how liver, pancreatic, and biliary diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated in Tanzania.
What We Do
What THPBA does
We bring together clinicians from multiple specialties to tackle HPB diseases through case discussion, training, and locally-driven research.
Tumor Board Reviews
Weekly multidisciplinary meetings where surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists review HPB cases together. Running since 2023, with almost 300 patients evaluated so far.
Access PortalEducation & Training
Conferences, workshops, and training for clinicians across Tanzania. TLCC 2023 brought together 160 professionals. TLCC 2025 drew 247 attendees and 38 speakers from 7 countries, with a 2-day surgical camp and research symposium.
View ProgramsClinical Research
Building a patient registry and supporting locally-driven research to generate the evidence base we need for better treatment decisions.
Our ResearchPatient Advocacy
Working to raise awareness of HPB diseases and push for earlier detection. At TLCC 2025, we screened 260 people for hepatitis B and delivered 369 vaccinations in a single day of pre-conference outreach.
Learn MoreClinical Guidelines
Developing clinical practice guidelines adapted for the Tanzanian healthcare setting, where resources and referral pathways differ from high-income contexts.
View GuidelinesProfessional Network
A network of HPB-focused clinicians across Tanzania. THPBA grew from the Tanzania Liver Cancer Group (TLCG), formed in 2022, and is affiliated with the IHPBA.
Join NetworkTumor Board Portal
Structured weekly case discussions
A structured weekly meeting where specialists present and discuss HPB cases. Each case gets input from surgery, radiology, pathology, and oncology before a treatment plan is made.
Secure Case Submission
De-identified patient data submitted securely for case presentations and review.
Multi-Specialty Review
Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists review cases together.
Integrated Imaging
Upload and view CT, MRI, and ultrasound studies directly within the platform.
Analytics & Outcomes
Track treatment decisions and patient outcomes to improve care quality.
Our Focus
Diseases we specialize in
In Tanzania, 80% of liver cancer patients present at a late stage. A study at Bugando found 142 HCC cases with zero curative therapy and a median survival of 2 months. These are the conditions we focus on.
Liver Diseases
Hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, liver metastases, hepatic hemangioma, liver abscess, and cirrhosis management.
Pancreatic Diseases
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, IPMN, neuroendocrine tumors, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and pseudocysts.
Biliary Diseases
Gallbladder cancer, bile duct injuries, choledochal cysts, biliary strictures, and complex gallstone disease.
Complex HPB Surgery
Major hepatectomies, Whipple procedures, liver transplant evaluation, portal hypertension management, and HPB trauma.
Upcoming
Events & Conferences
Weekly Tumor Board Session
Multidisciplinary case review and treatment planning session. Open to all THPBA members.
HPB Surgical Workshop (Tentative)
Hands-on workshop covering hepatobiliary surgical techniques. Dates TBC.
THPBA Annual Conference 2026 (Dates TBC)
Annual meeting with clinical presentations, research updates, and guest speakers. Details to be confirmed.
Join THPBA
Whether you are a surgeon, gastroenterologist, oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, or trainee — if you work with HPB patients in Tanzania, we want you involved. Membership gives you access to weekly tumor boards, conferences, and a growing professional network.
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