RESUMEN
We herein report a case involving a woman with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive breast cancer (BC) who became pregnant while undergoing active anticancer therapy with Trastuzumab-Pertuzumab for her advanced BC disease at our institution. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pregnancy and successful delivery in a stage IV BC patient during anticancer therapy. A multidisciplinary approach for such a complex case is a must to evaluate the mother's medical condition by an experienced oncology team along with a maternal-fetal team, with support from a psychiatric and psychological evaluation for the mother. The use of effective contraception during anticancer therapy is essential to avoid such a scenario.
RESUMEN
Breast cancer stands as the prevailing malignancy across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In this literature review, we highlighted the incidence and trend of breast cancer in the GCC. Most of the studies reported a consistent increase in breast cancer incidence over the past decades, which was particularly attributed to the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle in the region and the implications of emerging risk factors and other environmental and societal factors, the increase in screening uptake, as well as the improvement in data collection and reporting in the GCC. The data on breast cancer risk factors in the GCC were limited. In this geographic region, breast cancer frequently manifests with distinctive characteristics, including an early onset, typically occurring before the age of 50; an advanced stage at presentation; and a higher pathological grade. Additionally, it often exhibits more aggressive features such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity or the presence of triple-negative (TN) attributes, particularly among younger patients. Despite the growing body of literature on breast cancer in the GCC, data pertaining to survival rates are, regrettably, meager. Reports on breast cancer survival rates emanating from the GCC region are largely confined to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, predictive modeling reveals 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 97% and 89%, respectively, for the same period under scrutiny. These rates, when compared to Western counterparts such as Australia (89.5%) and Canada (88.2%), fall within the expected range. Conversely, Saudi Arabia reports a notably lower 5-year survival rate, standing at 72%. This disparity in survival rates underscores the need for further research directed toward elucidating risk factors and barriers that hinder early detection and screening. Additionally, there is a pressing need for expanded data reporting on survival outcomes within the GCC. In sum, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of breast cancer dynamics in this region is imperative to inform effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and improved patient outcomes.
RESUMEN
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which has resulted in an increase in the detection of noncommunicable diseases such as cancer. Despite its screening and early detection efforts falling short of the target coverage of the intended population, the number of reported cases and deaths in UAE has increased over the years. A few studies have been conducted to understand the hurdles to cancer screening in UAE, mostly focusing on breast and colorectal malignancies. There are no studies or surveys that have addressed the barriers and hurdles to overall cancer screening in UAE's population. Through this is the largest survey to date, we aimed at assessing UAE society's perception of cancer and early screening and detection. The survey was constructed using the SurveyPlanet platform. The survey was then distributed on social media for direct and snowball sampling, including Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Meta (Facebook), and Twitter. Interestingly, 71.3% of the respondents reported that they were fine mentioning or discussing cancer, while 28.2% reported that they were not comfortable with it. Moreover, 91.8% of the respondents knew the meaning of the early detection or screening of cancer, while 8.2% did not. The ability of respondents to correctly identify different types of cancer screening varied. This study suggests that regulatory authorities need to raise more awareness about cancer, especially among younger generations, and create screening recommendations and guidelines that should include younger people. Lastly, hospitals, cancer charity organizations, educational institutes, and the media should address target audiences to raise cancer awareness among them.
RESUMEN
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly indicated for various malignant and non-malignant diseases. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), patients that could benefit from the procedure commonly need to seek medical care abroad in view of the lack of a comprehensive HSCT facility that could offer the full spectrum of interventions and monitoring protocols. This comes with considerable challenges related to coverage and logistics of travel. It also limits the continuity of clinical care, and presents inconvenience to patients who come from a different cultural background. In this article, we share our experiences and lessons learned during the establishment of the first comprehensive adult and pediatric HSCT unit in the UAE that is designed to cater for local citizens and residents, as well as neighboring countries facing similar availability challenges.
RESUMEN
With cancer being the third leading cause of mortality in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there has been significant investment from the government and private health care providers to enhance the quality of cancer care in the UAE. The UAE is a developing country with solid economic resources that can be utilized to improve cancer care across the country. There is limited data regarding the incidence, survival, and potential risk factors for cancer in the UAE. The UAE Oncology Task Force was established in 2019 by cancer care providers from across the UAE under the auspices of Emirates Oncology Society. In this paper we summarize the history of cancer care in the UAE, report the national cancer incidence, and outline current challenges and opportunities to enhance and standardize cancer care. We provide recommendations for policymakers and the UAE Oncology community for the delivery of high-quality cancer care. These recommendations are aligned with the UAE government's vision to reduce cancer mortality and provide high quality healthcare for its citizens.
