The Best of ASCO UAE Conference 2025, organized by SEHA, part of PureHealth Group, in collaboration with Tawam Hospital, concluded today after two days of detailed sessions that highlighted the latest developments in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The event attracted leading oncology experts from around the world to share their insights and discuss emerging scientific and technological advancements in the field.

Professor Debu Tripathy, Chair of the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, shared significant research on targeting estrogen receptors, which play a crucial role in the progression of breast cancer. He indicated that there is a “paradigm shift” occurring with new therapies emerging beyond traditional hormonal treatments, including targeted biological agents like CDK inhibitors and PI3 kinase inhibitors, which are changing the landscape of treatment for advanced-stage disease.

Tripathy pointed out that these new therapies are now being explored for use in early-stage and adjuvant settings, with data suggesting promising results in reducing relapse rates. He provided a thorough overview of the early-stage applications of CDK inhibitors and expressed hope that these treatments could eventually lower mortality rates, although he acknowledged that further evidence is required. He described the results from ribociclib as particularly encouraging and noted positive data for abemaciclib, indicating that these medications could significantly enhance patient outcomes.

In addition, Tripathy discussed advancements in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) technology, explaining that monitoring molecular changes in blood samples might enable proactive adjustments to treatment before clinical progression is visible. He emphasized that this rapidly developing field is a key focus of this year’s conference.

He highlighted the importance of holding such conferences in the Middle East, where patients tend to be younger than in Western countries. This demographic difference necessitates region-specific treatment strategies and research initiatives.

Dr. Faisal Alterkait, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Head of the Breast Cancer Unit at Kuwait Cancer Center, presented findings from a recent study on HER2-positive breast cancer discussed at the conference. He noted that the findings indicated a potential to minimize the use of traditional chemotherapy agents like carboplatin in early-stage cases, without sacrificing treatment efficacy when combined with targeted therapies such as Herceptin and Perjeta.

Alterkait remarked that this study signifies a shift in treatment protocols that could greatly enhance the quality of life for patients. He expressed anticipation for applying these findings in clinical practice in Kuwait.

He also stressed the need for ongoing scientific collaboration across the GCC and the UAE, particularly in light of regional challenges like the relatively younger age of breast cancer patients. While high-risk patients in the U.S. and Europe average around 64 years old, many patients in the Gulf are diagnosed before they reach 40.

He advocated for intensified early screening programs, especially for women under 40, noting that early detection can boost survival rates to over 90 percent if the disease is caught in its early stages. Alterkait warned against delaying screening, as it can lead to disease progression and more complex treatment outcomes. He concluded by emphasizing that early detection is the most critical step in the fight against breast cancer.