Breast cancer treatment and its impact on survival in Morocco: a study over a decade.

BACKGROUND: In Morocco, much progress has been made in breast cancer treatment. However, there is limited information on survival outcomes of breast cancer patients according to their therapeutic management. METHODS: A pattern-of-care study was conducted in Morocco's two main oncology centres: Rabat and Casablanca and has shown that major progress has been made in the quality of care with survival rates comparable to those in developed countries. The present study focuses on the different therapeutic strategies used in breast cancer and their impact on prognosis. Patients were classified into two categories: those considered as appropriately managed and those who were not. RESULTS: A total of 1901 women with stage I to III breast cancer were included in this study, the majority (53%) were adequately managed and had better disease-free survival (DFS) rates than those who were not: DFS at 3 years (88% versus 62%) and at 5 years (80% versus 50%). Potential significant determinants of better management were: treatment in Rabat's oncology centre, treatment between 2008 and 2012, being aged younger than 60 years, and early TN stage. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the value of proper integrated and coordinated management in a comprehensive cancer centre, to improve breast cancer survival.

Evolution of patterns of care for women with cervical cancer in Morocco over a decade.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a Pattern-of-care (POC) study at two premier-most public-funded oncology centers in Morocco to evaluate delays in care continuum and adherence to internationally accepted treatment guidelines of cervical cancer. METHOD: Following a systematic sampling method, cervical cancer patients registered at Centre Mohammed VI (Casablanca) and Institut National d'Oncologie (Rabat) during 2 months of every year from 2008 to 2017, were included in this retrospective study. Relevant information was abstracted from the medical records. RESULTS: A total of 886 patients was included in the analysis; 59.5% were at stage I/II. No appreciable change in stage distribution was observed over time. Median access and treatment delays were 5.0 months and 2.3 months, respectively without any significant temporal change. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered to 57.7% of the patients receiving radiotherapy. Surgery was performed on 81.2 and 34.8% of stage I and II patients, respectively. A very high proportion (85.7%) of operated patients received post-operative radiation therapy. Median interval between surgery and initiation of radiotherapy was 3.1 months. Only 45.3% of the patients treated with external beam radiation received brachytherapy. Radiotherapy was completed within 10 weeks in 77.4% patients. An overall 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was observed in 57.5% of the patients - ranging from 66.1% for stage I to 31.1% for stage IV. Addition of brachytherapy to radiation significantly improved survival at all stages. The study has the usual limitations of retrospective record-based studies, which is data incompleteness. CONCLUSION: Delays in care continuum need to be further reduced. Increased use of chemoradiation and brachytherapy will improve survival further.

Association Between Religiosity, Depression, and Anxiety Among Moroccan Cancer Patients.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between religiosity, depression, and anxiety in Moroccan cancer patients. A convenience sample of 1055 participants was recruited to complete questionnaires. Socio-demographic, religious, and cancer characteristics were assessed. The Arabic version of the HADS scale was used to assess depression and anxiety. Bivariate chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze data. The results revealed that engaging in religious practices significantly decreases the risk of suffering from depression and/or anxiety. However, some religious practices may have a counter effect. These findings suggest that religiosity is important for cancer patients in Morocco and is also associated with a better quality of life.

The evolution of the socio-cultural and religious characteristics of cancer patients in Morocco: case of the National Institute of Oncology Rabat.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, Morocco recorded more than 59,370 new cases of cancer and more than 35,265 cases of death (International Agency for Research on Cancer, Annual report Morocco, 2020). Cancer is always accompanied by socially constructed, differentiated, and contingent interpretations and practices according to the socio-cultural and religious characteristics of each region. The study aims at describing the evolution of the socio-cultural and religious aspects of Moroccan cancer patients followed at the National Institute of Oncology (NIO) of Rabat between 2010 and 2020. METHODS: We have prospectively studied all cancer cases diagnosed at the National Oncology Institute (NIO), Rabat in 2019. We have collected 1102 cases. The data collected was compared with the results of the study carried out in 2010 (1600 cases). Statistical analysis has been assessed by SPSS 20 software and the correlations between socio-cultural characteristics were examined using a chi-square test. RESULTS: From a socio-economic point of view, almost all patients claim that cancer is a costly disease as well as a disease that leads to a drop in income and the inevitable impoverishment of Moroccan patients. The illiteracy rate is still high; rising from 38% in 2010 to 42.80% in 2020. On the psychological level, damage to body image (alopecia, mastectomy, hysterectomy,) can lead to stigmatizing and harms the marital relationship. The number of patients experiencing divorce and marital separation that seems to occur following cancer pathology remains high, despite a decrease of nearly 50% between 2010 and 2020. Concerning the spiritual aspect, in the Arab-Amazigh-Muslim culture, the impact of the occurrence of cancer is very particular, and the repercussions are assessed differently depending on the degree of conviction. For practicing believers, cancer is considered a divine test and an opportunity to improve. In the Qur'an, God tests the best of his disciples to reward them The rate of practicing believers has evolved from 49% in 2010 to 85.50% in 2020.But for non-practicing believers, cancer is regarded as a divine punishment coming from outside. New behaviors reported by this research concern the use of "roquia". This spiritual cure is considered as an anti-cancer remedy. It uses Allah's words from the holy "qur'an", his faires names and his attributes. 42% of patients use "roquia". Concerning phytotherapy, there was an increase in the percentage of participants using medicinal plants and even the most harmful plants (Arestiloch, Euphorbia) from 26% in 2010 to 51.50% in 2020. CONCLUSION: The precarious social level of cancer patients, the lack of social and medical coverage, illiteracy, and lack of knowledge of religion, as well as dissatisfaction with conventional medicine, may lead patients to the use of traditional medicine (medicinal plants, visit of "marabouts", "roquia"). This can have a negative impact on the quality of access to oncology care.

Predictors of poor precautionary practices towards COVID-19 among cancer patients.

Objective: Our study goal was to evaluate the behavioral response and practices of cancer patients to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Middle East and north Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous 45-question survey administered via SurveyMonkey® to cancer patients in 13 centers in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Results: During the study period (from 21 April to 30 May 2020), 3642 patients participated in the study. The majority of patients (84.81%) were worried about contracting the infection. The reported strict adherence to precautions included avoiding the following actions: hand-shaking (77.40%), hugging and kissing (82.89%), social gathering (90.09%), meeting friends (84.68%) and visiting markets (75.65%). In a multivariate analysis, patients with poor precautionary practices were about twice as likely to cancel their medical appointment or a treatment session. Conclusion: Improving cancer patients' knowledge of and adherence to precautionary measures is needed not just to reduce the risk of acquiring infection but also to minimize the interruption of their medical care.

Lay abstract COVID-19 poses a higher risk for patients with cancer than other patients; therefore, it is prudent that they adhere to precautionary measures to protect themselves from the infection. We conducted a study to evaluate the behaviors and practices of these patients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle, East and North Africa. We developed a survey of 45 questions that was distributed in 13 centers in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Saudi Arabia between 21 April and 30 May 2020. About 85% of the 3642 patients who participated in the study were worried about contracting the infection. A substantial percentage of them (10­30%) were not adhering to various precautions and social distancing rules. On the other hand, 16% of them canceled medical appointments and 12% canceled treatment sessions. Our study showed the need for better adherence of patients with cancer to the infection precautions and most importantly, the need to have a better compliance with their treatment plans, such as keeping their scheduled appointments, to avoid harms from treatment delays.

Impact of clinical pharmacy services in a hematology/oncology ward in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Clinical pharmacists are contributing to safe medication use by providing comprehensive management to patients and medical staff. The aim of this study is to document and evaluate the role of clinical pharmacy services in oncology department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out from July 2018 through June 2019 at the Department of Medical Oncology at the National Institute of Oncology, Morocco. Medication reviews concerning hospitalized adult cancer patients were performed every day by the clinical pharmacist assigned to the department. RESULTS: A total of 3542 prescriptions of 526 adult cancer patients were analyzed. The pharmacist identified 450 drug-related problems (12.7% of the prescriptions) primarily related to the analgesics (31.5%). Medication problems included mostly untreated indications (31.3%), overdosing (17.1%), drug-drug interactions (12.4%), underdosing (11.1%), administration omissions (6.7%), drug not indicated (6.0%), and contraindication (5.3%). Interventions (n = 450) led to drug additions (30.7%), drug dosing adjustments (27.1%), treatment discontinuations (20.0%), recall of the treatment (6.2%), replacement of a drug with another one (5.1%), administration optimization (4.0%), therapeutic drug monitoring (3.1%), alternate routes of administration (2.5%), and extension of treatment duration (1.3%). Most (98%) of the interventions were accepted and implemented by the medical staff-172 (38.2%) having a significant clinical impact on the patient, 88 (19.6%) as having a very significant clinical impact, and 71(15.8%) as having a potential vital impact. CONCLUSION: This work highlights the positive clinical relevance of pharmacists' interventions in oncology and the importance of medicopharmaceutical collaboration to prevent medication error.

Methylene blue and ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy: Myth or reality?

BACKGROUND: Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy (IIE) is a rare and serious adverse reaction. Thus far, no standard medication has been documentedto be efficient in the reversal of IIE, and while ifosfamide infusion interruption and hydration are recommended, methylene blue (MB) administration remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records to assess cases with IIE after ifosfamide infusion. We included all patients having received an ifosfamide infusion during their hospitalization in the medical oncology unit of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, Morocco, between September 2016 and September 2017. We subsequently conducted a literature review to determine the role of MB in IIE by searching PubMed using the terms "Methylene Blue" and "Ifosfamide". RESULTS: A total of 88 patients received ifosfamide, and four patients had IIE. Ifosfamide infusion was stopped immediately after the IIE occurrence, and patients underwent renal function correction with hydration. All patients received MB infusion, and three patients had an improvement of their neurological status. As regards the literature review, 34 articles were reviewed and 16 items were included in the review. Overall, 38 (65.5%) patients received MB infusion and 28 (75.6%) patients responded favorably to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Methylene blue can be used as a treatment for IIE owing to the severity of the IIE as well as absence of standard medication. Nonetheless, side effects such as serotonergic syndrome should be investigated. More broadly, prospective studies and controlled trials are needed to explore the contribution of MB in IIE management and encourage its use.

Frequency of anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangements in Moroccan patients with non small cell lung cancer: a multi-institutional national retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement is a predictive factor of response to ALK inhibitors in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The prevalence of ALK rearrangements is well known in Whites and Asians. However, data identifying the frequency of this rearrangement in Moroccan and North African population are lacking. The objective of this study is to report the frequency of ALK rearrangement in a group of Moroccan patients with NSCLC. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed enrolling 120 Moroccan patients with NSCLC whose biopsy samples were tested for ALK rearrangement in order to identify the frequency of ALK rearrangement and its potential association with selected variables. The ALK testing was established using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: The frequency of ALK rearrangement was 4.2% (5/120). All positive cases were males with advanced adenocarcinoma. ALK rearrangements prevalence was significantly higher in older patients. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of ALK rearrangements among the Moroccan population tends to correlate with the average frequency reported worldwide, with some specific features. Further prospective studies with larger patients' numbers are needed to verify these findings.

Cancer in Moroccan elderly: the first multicenter transverse study exploring the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profile and quality of life of elderly Moroccan cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Moroccan incidence of cancer is increasing with the lengthening of life expectancy. Data regarding elderly Moroccan cancer patients are lacking. In the context of our project aiming to develop an adapted version of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment CGA to the Moroccan population, we launched the first Moroccan multicenter transverse study to explore the characteristics of elderly Moroccan cancer patients. METHODS: The study was conducted in nine Moroccan medical oncology departments. Patients were enrolled over 4 months. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 65 years or over with verified solid cancer. The questionnaire included four sections: socio-demographic and economic data, clinical data, vulnerability and EORTC-QLQ C30. We explored the entire included population. Then, we compared the results according to age (65-70 years old and ≥ 71 years old) and sex. We also explored the correlation between G8 scores and the ability to practice religion as an indicator of fitness level. RESULTS: In total, 164 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 73.18 ± 6.01 years. The majority of patients were married, lived with their children and received their financial income from them. Fifteen percent of families asked to hide the diagnosis from the patient. Breast (23%), colorectal (15.9%) and lung (14%) cancers were the most frequent, and 83.5% had an abnormal G8. The majority of the patients were independent for basic daily activities. Female patients had poorer social and economic conditions. Abnormal G8 was correlated with religious practice and quality of life scores. CONCLUSION: This is the first multicenter prospective study designed to collect data on the lifestyle and clinical profiles of elderly Moroccan cancer patients as an Arab and Muslim population. Our study shows that it is a well-cared-for population with strong social ties. However, there is deep economic vulnerability, especially among women, requiring urgent care. Religious practice is an important daily activity for our elderly patients and should be included in the Moroccan CGA.

Cancer management challenge in a developing country in COVID-19 pandemic: reflection of a group of Moroccan oncologists.

Management of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide challenge - in particular in developing countries where the risk of saturation of health facilities and intensive care beds must be minimized. The first case of COVID-19 was declared in Morocco on 2 March 2020, after which a panel of Moroccan experts, consisting of medical oncologists from universities and regional and private oncology centers, was promptly assembled to conduct a group reflection on cancer patient's management. The main objective is to protect the immunocompromised population from the risk of COVID-19, while maintaining an adequate management of cancer, which can quickly compromise their prognosis. Recommendations are provided according to each clinical situation: patients undergoing treatment, new cases, hospitalized patients, palliative care and surveillance.

Quality of life of early stage colorectal cancer patients in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: A multicentre cohort study was held in Morocco, designed to evaluate the quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of this paper is to report the assessment of the quality of life of early colorectal cancer patients, before and after cancer treatment, to identify other factors which are related to this quality of life. METHODS: We used the third version of the QLQ-C30 questionnaire of the European organization for Research and treatment of Cancer (EORTC) after a transcultural validation. The Data collection was done at inclusion and then every twelve weeks to achieve one year of follow up. RESULTS: Overall 294 patients presented with early colorectal cancer, the median age was 56 years (range: 21-88). The male-female sex ratio was 1.17. At inclusion, the global health status was the most affected functional dimension. For symptoms: financial difficulties and fatigue scores were the highest ones. Emotional and social functions were significantly worse in rectal cancer. Most symptoms were more present in rectal cancer. At inclusion, global health status score was significantly worse in stage III. Anorexia was significantly more important among colorectal female patients. For Patients over 70 years-old, the difference was statistically significant for the physical function item which was lower. Overall, Functional dimensions scores were improved after chemotherapy. The symptoms scores did not differ significantly for patients treated by radiotherapy, between inclusion and at one year. CONCLUSION: Our EORTC QLQ C30 scores are overall comparable to the reference values. Neither chemotherapy, nor radiotherapy worsened the quality of life at one year.

Metachronous pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma: is there a place of Active-Surveillance before deferred deliberately Molecular Target Agent?

BACKGROUND: Metastatic renal cell cancer is a heterogeneous disease due to its diverse morphological features, the prognostic categories based on clinical criteria. Sometimes indolent course without any significant symptoms can be differentiated before the introduction of novel targeted agents. This observation led to interest in a strategy of deferring systemic therapy in the era of effective systemic therapies. CASE PRESENTATION: We report of a 78-year-old Moroccan man with pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma which occurred 14 years from right nephrectomy. Indolent disease based on body computed tomography imaging with 4 years follow-up was recognized. Active surveillance with deferred antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitor at disease progression was proposed. Nowadays, the patient is under oncological follow-up, he is in a good state of health, and he is disease-free for 48 months from the diagnosis of the tumor and for 20 months from the start of the treatment with Sunitinib CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance before target therapy may be a suitable approach to ensure long progression-free survival with minimal side-effects and better quality of life in asymptomatic, low-volume, metastatic disease. Further prospective studies with biomarker validation are required to define the patients most likely to benefit from this approach.

Intestinal intussusception in a young women: unusual cause and specific management.

BACKGROUND: Intussusception in adults is a rare cause of abdominal pain that is often associated with organic pathology. We describe a case of ileocolic intussusception revealing a cecal adenocarcinoma in a young woman successfully managed by laparoscopic-assisted surgery adhering to oncological principles. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old woman with a family history of colon adenocarcinoma in a young brother presented to our emergency department with a 2-month history of intermittent colicky abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Physical examination showed a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Computed tomography showed a 3-layered structure giving the characteristic target-shaped appearance in the ascending colon, highly suggestive for an ileocolic intussusception associated with right colic parietal thickening and an adjacent lymphadenopathy. Patient was planned for laparoscopic exploration and eventually definitive surgery. Intra-operatively, we found an ileocolic intussusception with thickening of the colic wall and slight proximal intestinal dilation. Multiple lymphadenopathies along the ileocecal artery were observed. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed following strict oncologic principles with "en bloc resection" and lymphadenectomy given the risk of an underlying malignancy. Considering this risk, previous reduction of the invaginated segments was not attempted and primary extracorporeal anastomosis was performed using manual sutures. Macroscopic examination of the resected specimen revealed a tumor mass of the caecal wall .The histological analysis identified a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma invading the serosa (T3) without permeation of the lymphatic or venous capillaries. No lymphatic metastasis of 28 nodes removed was seen. Postoperative course was uneventful and patient was discharged 5 days after surgery. Postoperative chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scan were normal. Therefore, tumor is classified as stage II A (T3N0 M0).There was loss of MLH2 and MSH6 protein expression on immunohistochemistry findings reflecting a microsatellite instability phenotype, and the patient was followed up without adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Ileocolic intussusception rarely revealed a cancer in young adults. Laparoscopic surgery has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment in this pathology. Oncogenetic consultation should be required in malignant lesion.

[Information needs of Moroccan elderly cancer patients]. / Le besoin d'information du patient cancéreux age marocain.

BACKGROUND: Announcing cancer to a patient is not a simple task. Usually doctors fail to inform patients about the diagnosis and it is more likely in older people .The need of information in cancerous elderly is not well established. In developed countries, there is evidence that the majority of old patients are demanding exhaustive information about their disease, treatment and prognosis. AIM: In developing countries where social and cultural issues are different, perception of cancer in elderly is not well studied. Therefore we conducted a prospective study on Moroccan elderly cancerous need of information about their disease. METHODS: This is a prospective descriptive study, Conducted in the National Institute of Oncology of Morocco, cancerous patients older than 70 were included. A questionnaire was given to participants. Demographics, disease characteristics, social, economical and cultural features were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients responded to the questionnaire. Mean age was 73. 72.7% of patients were diagnosed in advanced stages. Illiteracy was found in 76%. 87.3% of patients did not have health insurance. All patients were Muslim, practicing in 97%. 57% ignored diagnosis. 80% didn't want to know further information about prognosis and treatment side effects. Family protection from information was found in 70%. CONCLUSION: Moroccan elderly affected with cancer are less demanding of details about their illness.Illiteracy and cultural background may play a major role, Relatives overprotection is also influencing.

Flagellate erythema secondary to bleomycin: a new case report and review of the literature.

Bleomycin is an antibiotic with antineoplastic properties. It is used in the treatment of different tumors in oncology. The mucocutaneous side effects of this drug include ulcers, scaly erythematous and bullous lesions, sclerosis, stomatitis, and pigmentary alterations. Flagellate erythema is a characteristic hyperpigmentation of bleomycin. We report a case of flagellate erythema following the administration of bleomycin in a 34-year-old woman with ovarian teratoma. She developed linear lesions two weeks after the first injection of bleomycin. Flagellate erythema is a specific reaction to bleomycin therapy, which occurs in susceptible individuals independently of dose, route of administration, and type of malignant disease treated.

An uncommon long-term survival case of primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma.

Primary cardiac sarcoma is a rare aggressive entity. It constitutes the second most common type of primary cardiac neoplasms. Its management has largely been guided by small retrospective series with a median survival of 6 months. Here, we discuss a unique case of 8-year survival cardiac leiomyosarcoma managed by surgical and adjuvant therapy.

Molecular analysis of genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer in Morocco.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a significant global health issue with diverse molecular profiles affecting treatment responses. Yet, NSCLC's molecular epidemiology in Morocco is largely unexplored. This study focuses on NSCLC genetic mutations, specifically in adenocarcinoma, among Moroccan patients to contribute to understanding NSCLC in this population. Ninety-four patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples were processed, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted using standardized protocols. Mutations were detected using the AmoyDx Pan Lung Cancer Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Panel kit, and their frequencies were assessed through statistical analysis. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations were detected in 22.34% of patients, predominantly exon 19 deletions (66.66%) and exon 21 L858R mutations (23.80%). Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusion was observed in 3.19% of patients, and KRAS mutations in 1.06%. No mutations were found in other tested genes. A slightly higher mutation rate was noted in females (54.16%) compared to males (45.84%). The study reveals a distinct mutation profile in Moroccan NSCLC patients, with a notable prevalence of EGFR mutations, albeit lower than in some Asian populations. The significance of EGFR mutations in treatment response aligns with global findings, highlighting the importance of understanding regional molecular variations for personalized therapy. Despite limitations in sample size and clinical data, this study sheds light on the genetic landscape of NSCLC in Morocco. The observed mutation rates, particularly in EGFR, underscore the potential for targeted therapies in Moroccan NSCLC patients, emphasizing the need for further research to refine treatment strategies tailored to this population.

Unraveling the Mystery of Desmoid Tumors: Insights From a Moroccan Tertiary Center.

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, aggressive malignancies developing from clonal fibroblastic proliferation originating from soft tissues. Despite their low metastatic potential, their invasiveness towards neighboring organs and a high recurrence rate contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, thereby impacting the quality of life of patients. Several therapeutic options are available, but standardized protocols are lacking. In this study, we reviewed 14 cases of DT retrospectively over a period of 15 years, from September 2008 to December 2023. The most prevalent tumor locations were in the extremities, and the majority of patients were female. We identified risk factors in two patients, those being surgical trauma and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Half of the patients underwent surgery for DT, and two received salvage radiotherapy. Systemic therapy was used in the first and second lines and comprised of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAI). Active surveillance was proposed in three patients. This is the first retrospective study to assess the characteristics of DT in Moroccan patients in a tertiary care setting. It aims to shed light on the challenges faced in treating these rare tumors in the context of a lack of therapeutic standardization.

Impact of COVID-19 on Management and Outcomes of Oncology Patients: Results of MENA COVID-19 and Cancer Registry (MCCR).

Introduction: Despite extensive studies of the impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer, there is a dearth of information from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our study aimed to report pertinent MENA COVID-19 and Cancer Registry (MCCR) findings on patient management and outcomes. Methods: MCCR was adapted from the American Society of Clinical Oncology COVID-19 Registry to collect data specifically from patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2 infection from 12 centers in eight countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, and Morocco. The Registry included data on patients and disease characteristics, treatment, and patient outcomes. Logistic regression was used to assess associations with mortality. Results: Between November 29, 2020, and June 8, 2021, data were captured on 2008 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic. Median age was 56 years (16-98), 56.4% were females, and 26% were current or ex-smokers. Breast cancer (28.5%) was the leading diagnosis and 50.5% had metastatic disease. Delays of planned treatment (>14 days) occurred in 80.3% for surgery, 48.8% for radiation therapy, and 32.9% for systemic therapy. Significant reduction in the delays of all three treatment modalities occurred after June 1, 2020. All-cause mortality rates at 30 and 90 days were 17.1% and 23.4%, respectively. All-cause mortality rates at 30 days did not change significantly after June 1, 2020; however, 90-day mortality increased from 33.4% to 42.9% before and after that date (p = 0.015). Multivariable regression analysis showed the following predictors of higher 30- and 90-day mortality: age older than 70 years, having metastatic disease, disease progression, and being off chemotherapy. Conclusion: Patients with cancer in the MENA region experienced similar risks and outcome of COVID-19 as reported in other populations. Although there were fewer treatment delays after June 1, 2020, 90-day mortality increased, which may be attributed to other risk factors such as disease progression or new patients who presented with more advanced disease.