The Emirates Oncology Conference concludes its seventh session, with artificial intelligence and precise immunotherapy defining the next stage
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The Emirates Oncology Society concluded its seventh annual conference in Dubai after two days of scientific sessions and workshops that brought together experts from within the country and abroad, and the message that emerged from the hall was not celebratory: the recommendations focused on three practical pillars, expanding the use of artificial intelligence to predict treatment outcomes, broadening immunotherapy in advanced tumours, and accelerating precision medicine through molecular profiling of each tumour individually.
From recommendation to infrastructure
The conference did not stop at general invitations. The sessions discussed scientific evidence supporting the selection of treatment plans based on the biological and molecular characteristics of each tumour, a shift that redraws the care pathway from a "standard protocol" to a "personalised plan". In lung cancer, for example, the final day was dedicated to discussing tailored approaches for non-small-cell carcinoma associated with EGFR mutations, the latest developments in small-cell carcinoma, and strategies for dealing with less common mutations such as ROS1, HER2 and NTRK. The practical message: molecular testing is no longer an ancillary option, but the gateway to the most appropriate therapy for each patient.
Artificial intelligence in clinical service
The recommendation to expand the use of artificial intelligence to predict treatment outcomes was backed by discussions on how to integrate these tools into the daily clinical pathway, rather than as isolated research projects. Experts affirmed the importance of strengthening scientific research and clinical trials, enhancing the role of multidisciplinary teams in treatment decisions, and expanding collaboration and knowledge exchange between specialised centres locally and internationally. The stated goal: for these capabilities to reach patients in the UAE and the wider region without unjustified delay.
Post-treatment: palliative care and quality of life
The discussion did not stop at drugs and technology. The conference highlighted the importance of comprehensive care that meets the physical, psychological and social needs of adult and paediatric patients and their families, viewing it as an integral part of the care continuum. This human dimension, often absent from technical coverage, emerged as a shared commitment among participants rather than a protocol add-on.
Region’s bet: from platform to practice
The seventh edition reflects the maturity of the scientific platform in the UAE, but the real test begins after the conference concludes: might the recommendations translate into activated policies, dedicated resources, and clear referral pathways that link molecular testing with immunotherapy and AI-supported decisions? The region has the expertise and centres; what is needed now is institutional linkage that ensures these recommendations do not remain merely session minutes. Your next step: watch how regulators and health institutions adopt these three pillars in their strategies for the coming year.