Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation organises webinar to raise awareness about breast cancer

emirates7 - The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences recently concluded a specialized scientific webinar focused on the latest advancements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The event attracted prominent global experts as well as a wide audience of healthcare professionals, researchers, and oncology specialists.

The webinar showcased recent medical innovations and breakthroughs in breast cancer care, while also addressing the ongoing challenges in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. A significant issue highlighted was the complexity of diagnosing breast cancer, which stems from the genetic and biological diversity of the disease.

Achieving accurate diagnoses necessitates the use of advanced techniques, such as molecular profiling and genetic testing, which enable the personalization of treatment plans based on each patient’s unique characteristics. This complexity places a considerable demand on physicians to choose and implement the most effective treatment strategies, as emphasized by the experts during the session.

Dr. Salama Al Muhairi, Director of Medical Excellence at the Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to continuous medical education and the importance of raising awareness about cutting-edge advancements in combating complex diseases like cancer.

She stated, “At the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, we are dedicated to fostering sustainable healthcare solutions by creating opportunities for positive shifts in the medical community's approach to challenging diseases. Our goal is to provide an interactive platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and expertise, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care."

"Our mission extends beyond sharing new information or research; it’s about fostering a collaborative environment where professionals can stay abreast of the latest developments in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment while sharing their real-world experiences,” she added.

Dr. Al Muhairi further noted that the complexity of breast cancer diagnosis, driven by varying genetic and biological factors among patients, necessitates that physicians continually their skills and knowledge on the latest diagnostic tools and techniques. She emphasized that advanced imaging, molecular profiling, and targeted therapies are now essential for precise and effective care.

Healthcare professionals today need to master key technologies, such as MRI and advanced CT scans, along with the ability to interpret complex genetic analyses to determine the most appropriate treatment options. Ongoing education and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for achieving the best patient outcomes, which is why webinars like this are invaluable. They offer a unique opportunity for global experts to share insights and collaborate on ways to improve patient care and incorporate the latest research into clinical practice.

During the event, speakers underscored the importance of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, along with genetic profiling, in accurately determining the disease stage and tumor type. However, they noted that these technologies are not yet fully integrated into clinical practice worldwide, leading to a gap between research and its real-world application.

The webinar featured distinguished presentations, including a talk by Prof. Melinda Telli, Director of the Breast Cancer Programme at Stanford Cancer Institute, who discussed the latest advancements in targeted therapies for triple-negative and hereditary breast cancer. Dr. Abeer Al Sayegh, Head of the Genomics Department at Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Center, highlighted the role of genomics in enhancing patient care through personalized treatment approaches.

Prof. Mehran Habibi, Associate Professor of Surgery at Northwell Health, shared insights on surgical innovations, including oncoplastic breast surgery and wire-free tumor excision techniques. The session was skillfully moderated by Dr. Mouza Al Ameri, Assistant Professor of Surgery at UAE University and Tawam Hospital, whose extensive experience in breast cancer care added depth to the discussions on best practices in treatment and research.

The webinar concluded with key recommendations aimed at enhancing collaboration among healthcare professionals and applying the latest research findings in clinical practice. These efforts are anticipated to improve patient care in the region and contribute to significant progress in the fight against breast cancer.