MSD Egypt showcased groundbreaking findings from the TRIPOLI study at the 17th Breast Gynecological & Immuno-Oncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC 2025), held in Cairo. The TRIPOLI study, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, examines the burden of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the treatments currently in use. As an aggressive and challenging form of breast cancer, TNBC remains a key focus in advancing cancer care across the Arab world.
The study’s findings, presented during a press briefing with prominent oncology experts, highlighted the importance of early detection, effective treatment strategies, and the neoadjuvant approach in improving patient outcomes for TNBC in the MENA region.
The Role of Early Detection in Cancer Care
Dr. Hazem Abdel Samie, Managing Director of MSD Egypt Cluster, emphasized the critical role of early-stage diagnosis and collaboration in overcoming cancer care challenges. He stated:
“Time is crucial with a cancer diagnosis, as it allows treatment to begin early, before the disease spreads. Patients diagnosed at earlier stages have significantly better outcomes, underscoring the importance of routine screenings and prompt diagnosis. Increasing public and clinical awareness about the value of regular screenings can significantly improve detection rates and survival outcomes.”
Dr. Abdel Samie further reiterated MSD’s commitment to cancer care, adding:
“At MSD, we are dedicated to supporting cancer patients by enhancing treatment options and collaborating with stakeholders across the healthcare community to achieve meaningful advancements in the region.”
Innovative Approaches to Advanced-Stage Cancer Care
Prof. Hamdy Abdel Azim, Professor of Clinical Oncology at Cairo University and President of Cairo Oncology Center, addressed the pressing need for innovation and improved access to care for advanced TNBC cases. He remarked:
“Advanced disease requires innovation and better access to care. The findings from the TRIPOLI study offer valuable insights to guide future healthcare strategies, especially in underserved regions. Ensuring the availability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery in the MENA region is essential to improving outcomes for TNBC patients.
Expert Perspectives at BGICC 2025
The press briefing featured a distinguished panel of oncology experts, including:
Dr. Hesham El Ghazaly, Chairman of BGICC and Professor of Oncology at Ain Shams University
Dr. Heba El Zawahry, Professor of Oncology, National Cancer Institute
Dr. Alaa Kandil, Professor of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria University
Dr. Marwan Ghosn, Director of Cancer Center, Clemenceau Medical Center, Dubai
The session was moderated by Dr. Loay Kassem, Associate Professor of Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, Cairo University.
TRIPOLI Study: Key Insights and Recommendations
The TRIPOLI study is a real-world, multi-country study involving 702 newly diagnosed TNBC patients from nine Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, and Iraq. The study provides critical insights into treatment patterns and survival outcomes for TNBC, offering evidence-based recommendations to shape future oncology practices in the region.
Key Findings:
Early detection and intervention are essential for improving survival rates in TNBC patients.
Tailored treatment regimens and early-stage interventions are critical in managing high-risk cases effectively.
Multimodal approaches, including achieving pathological complete response (pCR), can transform outcomes for TNBC patients.
Implications for the MENA region:
Early Detection Saves Lives: Improved survival rates are directly linked to early-stage diagnosis.
Innovation for Advanced Disease: Advanced TNBC requires innovative therapies and better access to care.
Equity in Treatment: Collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders is essential to ensure equitable access to effective treatments
Health Economics Analysis in Egypt
A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted in Egypt to assess the economic implications of treating high-risk, early-stage TNBC. The analysis demonstrated that innovative treatments can meet Egypt’s cost-effectiveness thresholds when factoring in quality-of-life improvements and life years gained. This underscores the importance of incorporating such therapies into healthcare systems to deliver both clinical and economic benefits.
Shaping the Future of Cancer Care in MENA
The findings of the TRIPOLI study highlight the transformative potential of early-stage diagnosis, innovative therapies, and collaborative efforts in improving survival outcomes for TNBC patients. By leveraging these insights, healthcare stakeholders in the MENA region can drive significant advancements in cancer care and improve the quality of life for patients.
