Dubai, UAE. 3rd February 2025 — Doctors from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a global leader in cancer care, research, and education, took to the stage at Arab Health to give keynote presentations on the future of cancer detection and care.
Dr. Ghassan Abou-Alfa, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologist at MSK, presented a global initiative to unravel cancer predispositions, discussing germline and environmental convergence and divergence across humanity. Dr Abou-Alfa specifically talked about an international working group established to examine the issues that challenge equity and inclusion in genetic medicine, including 72 internationally known experts in oncology and cancer genetics from 34 countries. The working group first convened at a conference hosted by MSK in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Al Jalila Foundation.
“It is humbling and honoring to present on the MSK medical cancer diplomacy initiative here at Arab Health in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has proudly been MSK’s partner since the first global meeting of medical cancer diplomacy three years ago. It is delightful to join again with HE Dr Amin Al-Amiri, the UAE Assistant Undersecretary for Regulation Sector at MoHAP, and reconfirm MSK’s initiative to enhance and advance our knowledge of population-specific differences in germline and environmentally impacted cancers, all for better cancer care for all humanity,” said Dr. Abou-Alfa.
Presenting a keynote presentation on current trends and future directions in systematic treatment of breast cancer, Dr. Larry Norton, Founding Medical Director of the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at MSK, covered various topics, including the integration of data science and molecular analysis in breast cancer treatment, use of deep learning and machine learning for cancer detection, and the development of novel medications and approaches.
“The integration of data science and molecular analysis in understanding and treating breast cancer is crucial for future advancements,” said Dr Norton. On new treatment approaches, he remarked: “Recent research on novel medications that target specific aberrant molecular pathways are improving patient outcomes, and current work in this regard shows great promise for the future.”
Dr Norton was joined on stage by Dr. Shaheenah Dawood, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE, who spoke on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and their role in breast cancer treatment, suggesting they “offer targeted delivery and reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.”
Dr. Norton, Dr. Abou-Alfa, and the MSK delegation met with local physicians and healthcare leaders to identify local needs and to explore potential areas of collaboration. The efforts underscore MSK’s dedication to tailoring care that respects cultural and regional health patterns, ensuring that patients receive effective and compassionate treatment.
About Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK)
The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe. One of the world’s most respected comprehensive centers devoted exclusively to cancer, we have been recognized as one of the top two cancer hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years. www.mskcc.org.
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