SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP: MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
Tracks
STREAM 1
Saturday, November 6, 2021 |
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
STREAM 1 |
Speaker
Dr Sitna Mwanzi
Aga Khan University
Role of immunotherapy in cancer: will African patients miss out on the clinical benefits?
Dr Omolara Fatiregun
Lagos State University College Of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos
Biomarker testing: clinical need and access
Dr Mohammed Ezzi
University of Nairobi
RESOURCES (HUMAN AND INFRASTRUCTURE) FOR MANAGING IMMUNOTHERAPY-RELATED TOXICITY
Abstract
With the advent of immunotherapeutic agents, durable and dramatic responses have been observed in several hard-to-treat malignancies, outlining a roadmap to conquering cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) are a class of immunotherapeutic agents that attack the tumor cells by reinvigorating the suppressed immune system. However, the unbridled T-cell activity disrupts the immune homeostasis and induces a unique spectrum of side effects called immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These irAEs are distinct from the side effects produced by traditional chemotherapeutic agents. The management of irAEs has been challenging to the patients, caregivers and the healthcare providers alike. With increasing use of ICPis, the incidence of irAEs will undoubtedly increase. There is a compelling need to develop measures and resources to effectively manage irAEs, both in the community settings and in cancer centers alike.
Dr Nazik Hammad
Queen's Univeristy, Canada
Training in internal medicine for management of immunotherapy administration and toxicity
Facilitators
Nazik Hammad
Queen's Univeristy, Canada
Sitna Mwanzi
Aga Khan University
Panelists
Alabi Adewunmi
Jimoh Mutiu Alani