Expanding breast cancer knowledge through Korea-UAE collaboration
Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges in the Middle East, consistently ranking among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women across the region. To strengthen professional capacity in this area the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), the Korean Breast Cancer Society (KBCS) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) partnered to deliver a five-part online seminar series between April and August 2025.
Korea has reaffirmed its position as a global hub for advanced breast cancer care through the successful completion of the “Current Breast Cancer Treatment Trends & Case Studies in Korea” seminar series. Over 2,600 healthcare professionals from the UAE and across the Middle East participated in this educational programme.
The programme went beyond a traditional academic exchange. It was formally linked to Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in Abu Dhabi and designed to provide practising clinicians and healthcare decision-makers with practical insights that can be applied directly in patient care. Of particular significance, the seminar engaged not only
regional healthcare professionals but also key decision-makers at DoH-Abu Dhabi. Building on this year’s success, the series is planned to continue next year.
Ten leading Korean specialists delivered lectures representing the nation’s top medical institutions – Seoul National University Hospital, Korea University Anam Hospital, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, Yonsei Severance Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center, and CHA Gangnam Medical Center – reflecting the collective strength of Korea’s multidisciplinary and patient-centred oncology care.
Participants heard from these breast cancer consultants who discussed a broad spectrum of topics including surgical and radiation therapy advances, robotic-assisted surgery, and the integration of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in clinical practice. Presentations were anchored in real patient case studies, offering participants a closer look at how new approaches are being applied in day-to-day oncology care.
Feedback from attendees emphasised the relevance of the sessions. Many highlighted the value of learning about treatment innovations through concrete clinical examples, noting the potential to adapt these strategies within their own healthcare systems. Attendees responded positively, stating that “it was a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest medical technology trends in breast cancer treatment from Korea. The case-based presentations are expected to provide practical guidance that can be applied in clinical settings.”
KBCS and GBCC: Driving academic and clinical excellence
Founded in 1999, the Korean Breast Cancer Society (KBCS) has become one of Asia’s most influential professional organisations in oncology, uniting surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and researchers to improve breast cancer outcomes through education, research, and international collaboration.
Since 2007, KBCS has organised the Global Breast Cancer Conference (GBCC), now recognised as one of the world’s largest breast cancer meetings in Asia, drawing participants from more than 40 countries each year. GBCC serves as a key platform for sharing innovations in clinical practice, translational research, and patient advocacy.
Through these initiatives, Korea has fostered a global reputation for combining scientific rigour, advanced technology, and holistic patient care – a reputation further strengthened by this latest collaboration with the UAE healthcare community.
Comprehensive and evidence-based breast cancer care
The seminar series explored the full spectrum of modern breast cancer management
– from prevention to survivorship. The opening lecture reviewed the epidemiology of breast cancer in Korea and emphasised the importance of early detection, digital imaging, and genetic testing in identifying premenopausal cases, which remain proportionally higher than in Western countries.
Subsequent sessions addressed systemic therapy before and after surgery, highlighting the optimisation of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments based on molecular subtype and individualised risk. Presentations also covered endocrine therapy strategies for both pre- and postmenopausal patients, incorporating insights from global trials such as SOFT and TEXT that have shaped current international guidelines.
Innovation in surgery and radiotherapy
Korea’s leadership in surgical innovation was demonstrated through advances in oncoplastic and robotic-assisted breast surgery, including the robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (RNSM) using the da Vinci Single-Port system. This approach enhances precision, minimises tissue damage, and improves cosmetic outcomes – reflecting Korea’s philosophy that quality of life is integral to cancer recovery.
In radiotherapy, Korean clinicians presented data on hypofractionated schedules, which safely reduce treatment sessions while maintaining equivalent oncologic outcomes. These advances enable more efficient use of resources and better patient convenience, a model adaptable to healthcare systems in the Middle East.
Genetic insights, fertility preservation, and survivorship
The programme also highlighted Korea’s expertise in genetic counselling and fertility management for young breast cancer patients. Sessions discussed germline mutation testing, PARP inhibitors, and the integration of fertility preservation techniques such as oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. These strategies embody a comprehensive, multidisciplinary model that safeguards both oncologic safety and reproductive potential.
Digital transformation and global collaboration
Beyond clinical excellence, Korea’s hospitals are implementing AI-based clinical decision tools, digital education platforms, and metaverse-enabled patient programmes to enhance communication and shared decision-making. The strong engagement and positive feedback from Middle Eastern participants underscored the growing potential for sustained exchange and collaboration.
The series was also made accessible through the Medical Korea Academy (MKA) e-class, KHIDI’s global online education platform for healthcare professionals. The platform is open to physicians, nurses, medical students, hospital managers, IT specialists, and government health officials. Another MKA e-class session started September 15 and runs to November 30, 2025, with free access worldwide <https://mka-eclass.or.kr>.
Looking ahead
A KHIDI official remarked: “This seminar represents an important milestone in strengthening healthcare cooperation between Korea and the Middle East, built on Korea’s excellent clinical outcomes in breast cancer treatment. Moving forward, KHIDI will work closely with DoH-Abu Dhabi and other partners to identify new areas of interest and continue organising online seminars in the coming year.”
Looking ahead, KHIDI and DoH-Abu Dhabi plan to continue their collaboration. Future seminars will likely broaden the focus beyond breast cancer to other high-burden cancers in the region, such as stomach, colorectal, and thyroid cancer, reflecting shared healthcare priorities and thereby reinforcing the global healthcare cooperation network.
Encouraged by this success, KBCS and KHIDI plan to expand educational partnerships through the Medical Korea Academy e-Class and future joint forums, promoting mutual growth and medical innovation between Korea and the UAE.
Through the combined leadership of KBCS and GBCC, Korea continues to advance precision, compassion, and collaboration in breast cancer care – offering the Middle East a trusted partner in shaping the next era of oncology excellence.
