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Enhancing Cancer Treatment in the MENA Region: A Look at the NCCN Symposium

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is spearheading a significant gathering in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at elevating cancer care across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This two-day symposium, hosted at the MENA-NCCN Regional Coordinating Center, is a crucial step in fostering regional collaboration among oncology experts.

Founded to drive quality improvement in cancer treatment, NCCN has partnered with the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, which has been a pivotal player in the provision of resources and expertise since 2014. Dr. Kanan Al Shammari, overseeing the center, expressed the importance of this event, stating, “This gathering represents an important opportunity to continue integrating global cancer care standards with regional expertise.”

Purpose and Agenda of the Symposium

The primary focus of the meeting is to discuss new and updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) specifically tailored for the MENA region. Experts will present advancements, challenges, and opportunities associated with cancer treatment in the region. The guidelines, which provide evidence-based recommendations for prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care, are instrumental in improving patient outcomes.

Participants can look forward to reviewing specific NCCN Guidelines that include protocols for:

• - Blood Cancers
• - Breast Cancer
• - Colon Cancer
• - Liver Cancer
• - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• - Prostate Cancer
• - Genetics and Hereditary Risk Assessment
• - Palliative Care

Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, the CEO of NCCN, highlighted the organization's enduring relationship with regional cancer care professionals, stating that NCCN has published over a dozen guidelines tailored for the MENA region, representing a comprehensive approach to 65% of adult cancer cases. This unyielding commitment translates to over 2000 pages of content updated bi-annually.

Customized Guidelines for Local Needs

One notable aspect of the NCCN Guidelines MENA Editions is their customization to cater to local and regional medical practices. This is achieved through a color-coded system that aids healthcare providers—black text reflects global recommendations while italicized blue text signifies regional adaptations. Sections marked with a grey strikethrough indicate practices that are currently unfeasible.

Moreover, NCCN’s robust Global Program has seen these guidelines translated into over 270 languages, evidence of their broad applicability and importance worldwide.

Empowering Patients and Providers

The NCCN does not stop at healthcare providers; it also champions patient education through the NCCN Guidelines for Patients®. These resources aim to demystify cancer treatment for patients and their caregivers and are available free of charge at NCCN.org/patients.

The collaborative efforts of NCCN with other healthcare experts vow to improve access to high-quality cancer care across the Middle East. As Dr. Al Shammari pointed out, integrating globally recognized standards with local insights will ensure more equitable and effective treatments across diverse populations.

As the symposium unfolds, attendees will engage in informative discussions that promise to redefine cancer treatment strategies throughout the MENA region, all while promoting collaboration that is vital for future advancements in the field.

By fostering international cooperation and developing a framework for regional adaptation, NCCN’s efforts at this symposium not only reflect the changing landscape of oncology but also empower future generations of healthcare providers and patients alike.