#Kenya #Nairobi #National Comprehensive Cancer Network #African Cancer Coalition #Global Academy

International Cancer Experts Collaborate in Kenya

International oncology specialists are gathering in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 9 to 11, 2025, for the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Global Academy Regional Workshop. This significant event is spearheaded by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) in partnership with the African Cancer Coalition (ACC). The primary objective is to refresh and expand upon existing cancer treatment recommendations to better cater to the needs of patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The workshop brings together various cancer care professionals with a common goal: improving cancer treatment and support frameworks in the region. Focused on enhancing the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®), the event dedicates ample time to updating guidelines that specifically address the unique challenges faced in Sub-Saharan Africa. Key ingredients of this collaborative effort include the exploration of navigation programs and tools for healthcare providers that would help in effectively implementing these guidelines.

Anu Agrawal, MD, Vice President of Global Cancer Support at the ACS, emphasized the significance of collaborative learning at these regional meetings. Dr. Agrawal noted, “The ACS Global Academy Regional Meetings aim to provide a productive and dedicated space for providers to learn from one another, engage in discourse, and reach consensus on regional needs.” The event's collaboration with ACC and NCCN is critical, as it helps communities understand localized cancer care priorities.

The NCCN Guidelines® are recognized worldwide and serve as a cornerstone for evidence-based cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care strategies. They are widely utilized, with around half of the more than two million registered users situated outside the United States, spanning across 190 countries. The NCCN Global Program is responsible for adapting and translating these guidelines to make them more accessible for healthcare providers around the globe.

Several NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ for various cancer types will be updated during the meeting, including those for anal carcinoma, biliary tract cancers, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer screening, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, hepatocellular carcinoma, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, penile cancer, rectal cancer, testicular cancer, uterine neoplasms, and vulvar cancer.

According to Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN, the organization has been collaborating with experts from ACC to offer guidelines that are both aspirational and practical for cancer treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa over many years. Dr. Denlinger remarked, “In that time, we have seen improved capacity in cancer-related resources and care, but we have also seen increased cancer rates in the region. Our commitment to collaborate with leading experts in the region to maintain and update treatment recommendations, based on the latest research and local circumstances, is more important than ever.”

Representation at the meeting includes several prominent figures, including Dr. Denlinger herself, and other esteemed medical professionals from institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Northwestern University, and the University of Colorado Cancer Center. The diverse expertise presented at this workshop is expected to promote significant insights into contemporary cancer care challenges faced in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This collaborative effort underscores a significant milestone in the international fight against cancer, where knowledge sharing and the adaptation of guidelines pave the way for tailored solutions that meet patient needs across differing global contexts. As they look to the future, the initiatives discussed at this workshop promise not only to enhance clinical practices but also to strengthen patient outcomes in a region distinctly characterized by its unique healthcare challenges.

Through ongoing collaboration and support, the NCCN and ACC seek to provide valuable resources for healthcare providers dedicated to enhancing cancer treatment worldwide. for more information and resources, visit NCCN.