Prof. Ahmed El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, participated in the opening ceremony of the International School of Clinical Oncology Conference (ISCO 2026), held in Cairo, with high-level attendance from senior officials and leading oncology experts from Egypt, as well as several Arab and European countries.
The conference was attended by Prof. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population; Ambassador Eric Chevallier; Prof. Fabrice Barlesi, Director General of Gustave Roussy; Prof. Fabrice André, President of the European Society for Medical Oncology; and Prof. Tamer El-Nahas, Conference President, alongside a distinguished group of oncology scientists from Egypt, the Arab world, and Europe.
The event also witnessed the participation of prominent academic figures, including Prof. Hossam Kamel, former President of Cairo University; Prof. Nasser Abdelbary, President of Sadat City University; Prof. Nadia Zakhary; vice presidents of Cairo University; deans of medical faculties; representatives of the National Cancer Institute; and a large number of oncology professors from Egyptian, French, and Arab universities.
Prof. El-Kased emphasized that the opening sessions underscored the importance of the conference as an international scientific platform for exchanging expertise and discussing the latest advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly in light of rapid developments in immunotherapy and targeted therapy. He also highlighted the growing commitment of the global scientific community to strengthening medical and research collaboration across institutions.
He added that, in his address, the Minister of Health stressed the significance of the partnership with Gustave Roussy as a successful model of international cooperation, which has led to the establishment of the institute’s first branch outside France in Cairo. A considerable proportion of its services is dedicated to public-sector patients. He further called for continued joint efforts toward implementing precision medicine and translating scientific advancements into tangible outcomes for patients.
The French Ambassador commended the depth of Egyptian-French cooperation in the healthcare sector and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting medical education through partnerships with Cairo University and Ain Shams University.
Prof. El-Kased noted that hosting such a conference reflects the Egyptian state’s strong commitment to advancing cancer care through the expansion and development of specialized centers, the modernization of treatment protocols in accordance with international standards, and the strengthening of early detection programs. These efforts contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.
He further affirmed that the conference represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen scientific partnerships between Egypt, France, and Arab countries in the field of oncology, thereby contributing to the development of medical services and improving recovery rates. He also stressed the importance of such events in supporting scientific research and advancing the capabilities of physicians and researchers.
In this context, the Oncology Institute at Menoufia University plays a pivotal role as a specialized medical institution providing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services for cancer patients, in addition to training medical professionals and conducting applied scientific research. The institute actively participates in local and international scientific conferences, thereby reinforcing the University’s position in scientific research and specialized healthcare.
The conference concluded by emphasizing the importance of sustaining international cooperation and intensifying the exchange of expertise among medical and research institutions in the field of oncology. Such collaboration contributes to the advancement of cancer treatment methods and the achievement of tangible improvements in recovery rates worldwide.
Participants also affirmed that such international gatherings serve as a vital platform for promoting medical innovation and unifying efforts to address cancer-related health challenges, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to patients worldwide and reducing incidence and mortality rates.