Minimally invasive surgery, chemotherapy, proton beam radiation discussed at Oncology Symposium at Arab Health 2005
Dubai: The Middle East Oncology Symposium at Arab Health 2005 revealed the latest advances in cancer treatment and concluded that there is a growing need for more advanced cancer care hospitals and clinics in the region.
Speakers at the symposium discussed the lack of regional facilities that provide advanced cancer treatment which is forcing patients to seek treatment in the US and Europe. Revolutionary treatment options in cancer care need to be made available to patients through the establishment of specialised and advanced clinics across the region.
The Middle East Oncology Symposium at Arab Health 2005 witnessed presentations from leading doctors and professors outlining the latest advances in cancer treatment and management. Treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, proton beam radiation and radiotherapy were touched upon by the speakers.
Professor Karol Sikora, Special Adviser on Cancer Services, HCA International and Professor of Cancer Medicine, Imperial College Hammersmith Hospital, London, spoke on the therapeutic revolution in cancer. He warned that there will be a dramatic increase in global cancer incidence over the next 20 years. However, localised forms of cancer treatment will achieve destruction of cancer cells with greater certainty and fewer side effects.
"In radiation therapy, precise shaping of the beam delivery will allow it to conform exactly to the shape of the tumour. Our rapid advances in molecular genetics of cancer promise to have a considerable impact on prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment and could lead to a new golden age of drug discovery," he added.
Dr. Adnan A. Ezzat, Director, King Faisal Specialist Cancer Research Centre, Saudi Arabia, said: "Our ability to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage has increased dramatically today as compared to the 1980s and we are seeing improved outcomes in its comprehensive treatment. Though early diagnosis still remains the most effective option for breast cancer treatment and recovery, new developments in sentinel node biopsy, chemotherapy and irradiation, have made treatment of the later stages easier."
Treatment of multiple myeloma, ovarian and cervical cancer treatment, leukaemia, management of lung and prostate cancer and pain control were some of the other topics covered by the symposium.
John Hassett, Exhibition Director, Arab Health 2005 said: "The Middle East Oncology Symposium has provided regional and global leaders in cancer treatment a platform to exchange views on the latest research findings. Participants will take insights gained from the symposium to their respective institutions to enable them to face the challenges posed by cancer in a more constructive manner."
Over 100 oncology and medical professionals attended the two day symposium held on 14th and 15th February 2005. It was awarded the maximum 9 hours in Category 1 Credit of the Physicians Recognition Award Programme of the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education.
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About Arab Health 2005
Arab Health 2005 will be held in Dubai from February 12-15, 2005 and will occupy all 10 halls, including the Sheikh Rashid Hall, of the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Arab Health is organised by IIR Middle East with official support from the UAE Ministry of Health and the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services.
Arab Health 2005 is expected to be much larger than any healthcare event in the region with over 2,000 companies from over 50 countries having already registered for the event and major country groups having sold out their space allocation. The Middle East's healthcare expenditure for 2004 was valued at around US $74 billion.
Physicians from across the region who attend the Arab Health Conference sessions will earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits as the sessions are recognized by the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education (AACME). IIR ME has passed a series of rigorous and internationally recognized standards for the provision of continuing medical education and quality health care, set by the AACME, and has subsequently been awarded status as an "Accredited Organization". Over 17,000 worldwide health care organisations are accredited by the AACME
The annual Arab Health Exhibition and Congress attracts thousands of decision makers, including healthcare executives from public and private sectors, facility planners and managers, architects, designers, directors of non-clinical services and contractors, affording them a rare opportunity to join over 350 hospital design and interiors companies under one roof.
For further information contact
Mary Smiddy/ Majid Wasi
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exlcusive MENA affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide
Dubai
UAE
Tel: +971 4 3344550
Fax: +971 4 3344556
Email: info@asdaa.com
John Hassett
Exhibitions Director, Health Division
IIR Middle East
Tel.: +971 4 3365161
Fax: +971 4 3364006
© Press Release 2005
