
SEHA to host 3rd Best of ASCO UAE Conference
20 June 2025 20:25
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)SEHA part of PureHealth Group, in collaboration with Tawam Hospital, is proud to host the third edition of the Best of ASCO UAE Conference. The event will take place from June 21 - 22, 2025 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi.Organised under license from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), this prestigious regional conference brings to the UAE the most significant findings and presentations from the ASCO Annual Meeting held in Chicago from May 30 to June 3, 2025. With a strong emphasis on translating science into clinical practice, Best of ASCO UAE 2025 will serve as a key forum for international, regional, and local oncology experts to explore the latest research, evidence-based practices, and innovations in cancer care.The conference will commence with pre-conference workshops on 20 June, including an Oncology Fellowship Masterclass and a dedicated Ovarian Cancer Workshop. The main event will feature eight core sessions addressing a broad spectrum of topics such as metastatic and early breast cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, lung cancer, genitourinary cancers, head and neck cancers, and rare gynaecological cancers. These sessions will be complemented by parallel workshops exploring advanced treatment strategies, including the application of antibody-drug conjugates, targeted therapies such as CLDN 18.2 and PI3K inhibitors, and evolving approaches in the management of resectable and metastatic cancers.Best of ASCO UAE 2025 will welcome over 70 esteemed speakers from around the world, including internationally recognised experts such as Dr Debu Tripathy, Dr Gregory Vidal, Dr Martin Dietrich, and Dr Julie Gralow. They will be joined by a distinguished roster of regional and local oncology leaders from across the GCC and the UAE, ensuring a rich exchange of insights tailored to the region's clinical landscape.With interactive Q&A sessions, case-based discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference promises to be a dynamic platform for translating the latest ASCO research into real-world clinical practice.Dr. Hamda Salem Al Neyadi, Organising Committee Member of Best of ASCO UAE & Corporate Marketing & Communications Director at SEHA, said: 'Best of ASCO UAE 2025 is a strategic platform that underscores SEHA's role in shaping the future of oncology care in the region. By convening global thought leaders and translating cutting-edge research into actionable insights, we are not only elevating clinical practice but also reinforcing the UAE's position as a centre of excellence in healthcare innovation. This initiative reflects our broader vision to drive sustainable impact through knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on improving patient outcomes.'Dr. Khalid Saeed Balaraj, Chair of the Oncology Centre at Tawam Hospital, commented: 'Hosting Best of ASCO for the third consecutive year reinforces our dedication to advancing cancer care through continuous learning. Tawam Hospital remains at the forefront of oncology services in the UAE, and we are proud to bring the global oncology community together to exchange knowledge and experiences.'Dr. Jawaher Ali Ansari, Chief of Medical Oncology at Tawam Hospital, said: 'The conference offers unparalleled access to the most current and clinically relevant data in oncology. Our goal is to empower healthcare professionals to apply the latest insights in practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes across the region.'As the UAE's national oncology centre, Tawam Hospital continues to uphold international standards of care while advancing Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a hub for medical excellence and innovation. This initiative aligns with the strategic priorities of PureHealth, the UAE's largest integrated healthcare platform, which is committed to improving longevity and delivering future-ready healthcare across the Emirates.
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Al Etihad
18 hours ago
- Al Etihad
SEHA to host 3rd Best of ASCO UAE Conference
20 June 2025 20:25 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)SEHA part of PureHealth Group, in collaboration with Tawam Hospital, is proud to host the third edition of the Best of ASCO UAE Conference. The event will take place from June 21 - 22, 2025 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu under license from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), this prestigious regional conference brings to the UAE the most significant findings and presentations from the ASCO Annual Meeting held in Chicago from May 30 to June 3, 2025. With a strong emphasis on translating science into clinical practice, Best of ASCO UAE 2025 will serve as a key forum for international, regional, and local oncology experts to explore the latest research, evidence-based practices, and innovations in cancer conference will commence with pre-conference workshops on 20 June, including an Oncology Fellowship Masterclass and a dedicated Ovarian Cancer Workshop. The main event will feature eight core sessions addressing a broad spectrum of topics such as metastatic and early breast cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, lung cancer, genitourinary cancers, head and neck cancers, and rare gynaecological cancers. These sessions will be complemented by parallel workshops exploring advanced treatment strategies, including the application of antibody-drug conjugates, targeted therapies such as CLDN 18.2 and PI3K inhibitors, and evolving approaches in the management of resectable and metastatic of ASCO UAE 2025 will welcome over 70 esteemed speakers from around the world, including internationally recognised experts such as Dr Debu Tripathy, Dr Gregory Vidal, Dr Martin Dietrich, and Dr Julie Gralow. They will be joined by a distinguished roster of regional and local oncology leaders from across the GCC and the UAE, ensuring a rich exchange of insights tailored to the region's clinical interactive Q&A sessions, case-based discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference promises to be a dynamic platform for translating the latest ASCO research into real-world clinical Hamda Salem Al Neyadi, Organising Committee Member of Best of ASCO UAE & Corporate Marketing & Communications Director at SEHA, said: 'Best of ASCO UAE 2025 is a strategic platform that underscores SEHA's role in shaping the future of oncology care in the region. By convening global thought leaders and translating cutting-edge research into actionable insights, we are not only elevating clinical practice but also reinforcing the UAE's position as a centre of excellence in healthcare innovation. This initiative reflects our broader vision to drive sustainable impact through knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on improving patient outcomes.'Dr. Khalid Saeed Balaraj, Chair of the Oncology Centre at Tawam Hospital, commented: 'Hosting Best of ASCO for the third consecutive year reinforces our dedication to advancing cancer care through continuous learning. Tawam Hospital remains at the forefront of oncology services in the UAE, and we are proud to bring the global oncology community together to exchange knowledge and experiences.'Dr. Jawaher Ali Ansari, Chief of Medical Oncology at Tawam Hospital, said: 'The conference offers unparalleled access to the most current and clinically relevant data in oncology. Our goal is to empower healthcare professionals to apply the latest insights in practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes across the region.'As the UAE's national oncology centre, Tawam Hospital continues to uphold international standards of care while advancing Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a hub for medical excellence and innovation. This initiative aligns with the strategic priorities of PureHealth, the UAE's largest integrated healthcare platform, which is committed to improving longevity and delivering future-ready healthcare across the Emirates.


Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Al Etihad
A life saving act: SEHA highlights role of Blood Bank Services on World Blood Donor Day
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Speaking to Aletihad , Dr. Hamad Saif Saeed Al Nuaimi, Allied Health Manager – Blood Bank Services, highlighted how SEHA is enhancing donation efforts by leveraging innovative technologies, focused outreach, and robust community involvement to address both routine and urgent transfusion requirements. 'Blood Bank Services maintains year-round blood availability through consistent donation drives, strategic planning, strong hospital coordination, and a robust donor database,' Dr. Al Nuaimi said.'Seasonal campaigns and emergency preparedness plans help meet both routine and urgent demands."On the latest technological advancements enhancing donor safety and efficiency, he highlighted the adoption of digital registration, advanced donor screening systems, and upgraded testing technologies - all of which streamline the process and uphold the highest safety on how the UAE's approach to voluntary donation has changed over the past decade, Dr. Al Nuaimi said that the UAE has transitioned towards a more community centred, education driven model.'Increased collaboration with public and private entities, digital awareness campaigns, and recognition programmes have significantly improved donor engagement and retention," he attract first-time donors, the blood bank relies on a blend of outreach strategies."Community events, mobile donation units, partnerships, and awareness campaigns linked to national days and health observances have proven effective in encouraging first time donors, especially when combined with engaging educational content," Dr. Al Nuaimi the management of rare blood type donations, Dr. Al Nuaimi explained that the Blood Bank maintains a dedicated registry and utilises a Frozen RBC Programme."Blood Bank Services maintains a registry of rare blood type donors and coordinates with national networks to ensure rapid response in critical cases. Donations are often frozen and stored for future use through the Frozen RBC Programme." Youth EngagementAs a cornerstone of SEHA's long-term strategy, youth are engaged through the 'You Are the Future' programme, with the Blood Bank partnering with schools to raise awareness. "Youth engagement is vital to building a sustainable donor base. Through the 'You Are the Future' programme, Blood Bank Services partners with schools to educate students about the importance of blood donation and community service. The programme empowers youth to become future donors and ambassadors by involving them in awareness campaigns, interactive sessions, and volunteering opportunities — fostering a strong culture of giving from an early age."The service also works closely with hospitals and emergency teams to address urgent transfusion explained that Blood Bank Services is collaborating with hospitals and emergency services to meet urgent transfusion needs."Blood Bank Services works in close coordination with hospitals, trauma units, and emergency response teams to forecast needs, supply rare units quickly, and maintain a ready inventory of blood products," Dr. Al Nuaimi said."Dedicated logistics support ensures timely delivery in emergencies."To expand accessibility, particularly in remote areas, new efforts are underway."Plans include increasing mobile blood drive coverage in rural areas and outlying communities, and enhancing scheduling flexibility to facilitate appointments in underserved areas. Also, a collection site has been opened in Al Dhafra Region (Madinat Zayed) to reach the population in this area," he said. Recognising Committed Donors"Regular donors are honoured through appreciation events, reward programmes, and national recognition initiatives like the Apheresis Hero of the Year and World Blood Donor Day. They are also kept informed through personalised messages and engaged in community stories." As a final message to the community on World Blood Donor Day, Dr. Al Nuaimi said: "Every drop counts. Today is a reminder that your selfless act can mean the difference between life and death for someone in need. By donating blood, you are not just saving lives, you're building a stronger, more compassionate community."According to data from Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, the number of blood donors in Abu Dhabi rose to 47,841 in 2022, marking a 41% increase compared to donors collectively contributed 59,167 units of blood, playing a vital role in saving lives. Furthermore, 1,006 platelet donors provided a total of 10,041 platelet units.


Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Gulf Today
New breast cancer therapy can slow advance of disease, prolong survival
A new triple therapy for aggressive, advanced breast cancer slows the progression of the disease, delays the need for further chemotherapy and helps patients live longer, research revealed. The combination treatment is made up of two targeted drugs: inavolisib and palbociclib, and the hormone therapy fulvestrant. It improved overall survival by an average of seven months, compared with the patients in the control group, who were given palbociclib and fulvestrant. It also delayed progression of the disease by 17.2 months, on average, compared with 7.3 months in the control group, and patients taking inavolisib were able to delay subsequent chemotherapy treatment by almost two years longer than the patients in the control group. The results of the study, funded by Roche, were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco) annual meeting in Chicago and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The international trial involved 325 patients from 28 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, France and Germany. Experts said it demonstrated the potential of the triple therapy for targeting PIK3CA-mutated HR+, HER2- breast cancer - a common form of the disease. About 70 percent of patients have HR+, HER2- breast cancer. PIK3CA mutations are found in 35 to 40 percent of HR+ breast cancers, and are linked to tumour growth, disease progression and treatment resistance. "The INAVO120 trial has identified a targeted treatment regimen that meaningfully improves survival in patients with untreated PIK3CA-mutated hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer - a big step forward for these patients,' said Dr Jane Lowe Meisel, Co-Director of Breast Medical Oncology at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, and an Asco expert in breast cancer. The results also showed a substantial shrinking in cancer growth in about 62.7 percent of patients in the triple therapy group compared with 28 percent in the control group. Dr. Simon Vincent, Director of Research, support and influencing at Breast Cancer Now, said the findings were a "significant breakthrough'. Dr. Nisharnthi Duggan, a research information manager at Cancer Research UK, said, "The trial showed that adding inavolisib to targeted treatment plans improved survival. On top of this, it also delayed the progression of people's cancer and the need for chemotherapy, which could improve quality of life. We hope that more research like this will help to give people kinder cancer treatment options, and more time with their loved ones.' In the trial, more than half of the patients had disease that had already spread to three or more organs. The researchers used circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) liquid biopsy blood tests to determine whether patients had a PIK3CA mutation. Participants were then allocated to receive either the inavolisib-based regimen or a combination of palbociclib, fulvestrant and a dummy pill. The new drug inavolisib works by blocking the activity of the PIK3CA protein. The inavolisib combination was generally well tolerated with only a few patients experiencing side-effects that led them to discontinue the treatment. Nick Turner, Professor of Molecular Oncology at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, led a UK arm of the trial. "The key findings from this study showed that the inavolisib-based therapy not only helped patients live longer but it more than doubled the time before their cancer progressed or worsened. It also gave them more time before needing subsequent chemotherapy which we know is something that patients really fear and want to delay for as long as possible," he stated. WAM