Agenda

The lecture covers the current state of population genome programs (PGPs) conducted in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. The MENA region has high prevalence of genetic diseases and significant health challenges as well as being a significantly underrepresented population in public genetic databases. The majority of ongoing PGPs represent regions in Europe, North and South America, South Asia, Australia, and Africa, with little to no descriptive information highlighted only on the MENA Region when it comes to genome programs databases, outcomes, or the challenges that MENA region countries may face establishing their own national programs.

Cancer treatment has long been a complex challenge, but precision oncology has transformed the field by driving the development of targeted therapies and refining existing approaches. At the heart of this revolution are molecular biomarkers, essential tools for identifying patients who will benefit most from personalized treatments. Biomarkers have vast potential in oncology, aiding in risk assessment, screening, prognosis, diagnosis, treatment response prediction, and disease monitoring. Several biomarkers are already integral to clinical practice. As biomarker research accelerates, it is critical to search for markers with greater sensitivity, specificity, and predictive power. These advancements improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes, ultimately enhancing cancer care and patient survival.