Cairo: President of the National Research Centre and Acting President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology Mamdouh Awad announced the inauguration of the Liver Cancer Research Centre at the NRC's Centre of Excellence for Medical Research. This initiative is intended to bolster applied research on liver cancer, enhance prevention and early detection mechanisms, and conduct specialized studies in alignment with the latest international standards. Awad highlighted that this new centre is expected to contribute significantly to the state's efforts in advancing the healthcare system and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Awad made these remarks during the centre's inauguration on the sidelines of a scientific salon titled 'Liver Cancer in Egypt: Current Status and Scientific Research Challenges.' He noted that the establishment of the centre reflects a commitment to advancing specialized studies and reinforcing the role of scientific research in addressing diseases that pose substantial health challenges. This initiative is anticipated to have a direct impact on improving healthcare services.
Awad emphasized that the centre's launch is a starting point for consolidating research efforts and addressing existing scientific gaps. A five-year research roadmap has been developed, focusing on prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, as well as genetic and clinical research. This roadmap aims to establish an integrated system for combating liver cancer in Egypt and fortifying the capability of research and medical institutions to develop applicable scientific solutions, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare and treatment outcomes for liver cancer patients.
The scientific salon concluded with several recommendations aimed at bolstering research and clinical capabilities in liver cancer and establishing more effective prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment pathways. Key recommendations included updating liver cancer screening and early diagnosis protocols by expanding screening criteria and incorporating new tests. This approach could help detect cases at earlier stages, increase opportunities for therapeutic intervention, and improve patient outcomes.
Participants also recommended enhancing screening and diagnosis efficiency by establishing national quality-control programs and training medical personnel to standardize imaging-based screening procedures. Utilizing modern technologies for diagnosing and monitoring cases was also advised. The role of liquid biopsy as a supportive diagnostic tool was highlighted, along with the necessity of ongoing research to expand the use of modern technologies in this field.
On prevention and emerging risk factors, the salon recommended a national strategy to address fatty liver disease, which could be associated with higher liver cancer rates in the future. This strategy would involve developing mechanisms for prevention, early detection, and management before the disease progresses to more serious stages.
The recommendations also called for expanding personalized medicine and genetic research to identify genetic susceptibility to liver cancer, enabling more tailored diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The NRC's Genetic Research Unit's advanced equipment and capabilities should be utilized to develop molecular research and conduct advanced pathological analyses, aiding in a better understanding of genetic and molecular factors associated with liver cancer.
Participants stressed the importance of strengthening clinical research and establishing national and international partnerships. A national network, including the NRC, university hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and relevant research and medical institutions, was proposed to coordinate efforts, exchange expertise and data, and support clinical studies aligned with actual health priorities.
Standardizing databases and research efforts related to liver cancer was also emphasized to accurately assess challenges, monitor changes in disease patterns and risk factors, and direct research resources toward areas of greatest need. Participants remarked that the launch of the Liver Cancer Research Centre is a critical step toward consolidating research and medical efforts, aligning research with healthcare system needs, and contributing to improved prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment methods for liver cancer patients in Egypt.