In this in-depth exploration, Olfat Berro, Area Head Middle East for Roche Pharmaceuticals, examines how technological innovations and strategic partnerships are transforming cancer care across the Middle East. Drawing on over 20 years of healthcare experience, Berro highlights the shift from standardized treatments to personalized medicine and outlines how collaborative efforts are creating more accessible, patient-centred oncology care systems throughout the region.
When I began my career in healthcare over 20 years ago, cancer was a diagnosis that often left patients and their families feeling powerless. Back then, most treatment options were limited and uniform
– a one-size-fits-all approach that did little to address the complex, individual realities of those facing this disease. I remember hearing from patients on the weight of each diagnosis, the struggle to find any hope in a system that could only offer standardised treatments, and the overwhelming need for better solutions. Today, that story has drastically changed.
In my experience in the pharmaceutical industry, I have witnessed an extraordinary transformation. The emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, precision diagnostics, and targeted as well as immune therapies has not only redefined what is possible in cancer care but also reshaped our entire approach.
From a traditional journey to a personalized one
Breakthroughs in science have turned what once could make us feel powerless into a journey of hope and possibility. This cancer journey is reflected in the shift from uniform treatment protocols to approaches that tailor care to the individual. We now recognise that cancer is not a single disease, but an umbrella term for over 200 distinct conditions – each with its own genetic and molecular fingerprint. This realisation has paved the way for personalised medicine, where treatments are customised to address the unique biology of each patient’s tumour. In the Middle East, the impact of these innovations is particularly significant. In our region, where early detection has historically been a challenge due to varying levels of healthcare infrastructure, the promise of precision oncology offers a new hope. For instance, in breast cancer – a leading cause of mortality among women
– the advancement of targeted therapies has dramatically improved survival rates. Similarly, in lung cancer, the use of molecular profiling enabled oncologists to choose treatments that are far more effective than traditional methods, significantly enhancing patient outcomes.
Harnessing technology and data for better cancer outcomes
Technological innovation is at the heart of this revolution. Artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming every stage of cancer care – from early diagnosis to treatment optimisation and patient follow-up. AI-powered imaging tools, for example, are now capable of detecting patterns in scans that may be invisible to the human eye, allowing doctors to identify tumours at their earliest stage and with greater accuracy. There has also been a shift towards non-invasive diagnostics with liquid biopsies, a simple blood test that can detect tiny traces of cancer-related biomarkers, which allow doctors to monitor cancer in real time, track how well a treatment is working, and even detect cancer before symptoms appear.
Beyond modern technology, data is playing a critical role in shaping the future of oncology. By harnessing vast amounts of real-world data from clinical trials, electronic health records, and patient registries, we are better equipped to understand treatment responses and refine therapeutic strategies. This data-driven approach means that every new breakthrough is not only a scientific achievement but also a step towards more efficient and effective patient care. In the Middle East, where timely access to care can significantly alter outcomes, these innovations are especially critical.
The importance of partnerships in the Middle East
Transforming cancer care is not just about innovation – it’s about ensuring that breakthroughs reach the people who need them most. A truly sustainable healthcare system must provide timely access to cutting-edge treatments while strengthening its capacity to meet future challenges. This can only be achieved through collaboration.
Across the Middle East, Roche recognizes its role as a healthcare partner. Multi-sector collaborations with healthcare stakeholders are essential in supporting the entire patient journey – from raising awareness and ensuring early detection to harnessing data for personalised care, improving treatment access, and ultimately enhancing outcomes.
Now more than ever, working together is essential to create stronger, more resilient, and responsive health systems. The journey begins with public awareness. Empowering communities with knowledge about cancer prevention and early screening is the first step towards early intervention. By working closely with the Iraqi government to advance healthcare outcomes, one of our main priorities is increasing awareness for early detection and supporting community education for diseases like oncology. These initiatives help patients and their families understand the importance of regular check-ups.
By harnessing vast amounts of real-world data from clinical trials, electronic health records, and patient registries, we are better equipped to understand treatment responses and refine therapeutic strategies.
However, awareness alone is not enough – it must be backed by early detection tools and technologies. AI-driven screening solutions are playing a trans-formative role in identifying cancer at its earliest stages with remarkable precision. Collaborative projects with Microsoft & Lunit Global in Iraq and Egypt have introduced AI-driven screening tools that analyse mammograms with up to 96% accuracy – an innovation that significantly reduces late-stage diagnoses and enables timely, life-saving interventions.
Beyond detection, real-world data is redefining personalised care. By leveraging advanced analytics, healthcare professionals can refine treatment pathways, optimise resource allocation, and move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. In Bahrain, collaboration with the National Health Regulatory Authorities (NHRA) is advancing clinical research and harnessing real-world data to strengthen pharmacovigilance and regulatory frameworks. These efforts are ensuring that treatments are not just innovative but also precisely tailored to individual patient needs, leading to better responses and improved quality of life.
Of course, even the most advanced treatments are meaningless if patients cannot access them. Ensuring availability and affordability is a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare. Strategic partnerships in our region have led to the development of funding models and infrastructure improvements that make cutting-edge treatments available to patients. Through our collaboration in Lebanon, tailored Patient Support Programs (PSPs) in oncology have helped thousands of patients access critical treatments, ensuring continuity of care. Early access initiatives are also bridging gaps, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest advancements in cancer therapy.
Ultimately, the future of oncology in the Middle East is a shared responsibility. When we work together with trust, common values, and a clear focus on long-term impact, every scientific breakthrough can be matched by the infrastructure and policies needed to deliver life-saving care. This collective effort ensures that every patient benefits from the highest standard of care.
Looking ahead: A call for collective action
In the Middle East, where healthcare landscapes are diverse and evolving rapidly, our mission is clear: to dismantle barriers and build resilient, patient-centred systems that make early detection and personalised treatments a reality for all. Every initiative – from pioneering screening programmes to integrating advanced diagnostics into everyday care – demonstrates our commitment to transforming cancer care from a challenging diagnosis into a journey of hope.
Our approach is grounded in collaboration. We know that when like-minded partners – governments, healthcare providers, and patient advocacy groups – join forces, the collective impact far exceeds what any one organization can achieve. I have witnessed how partnerships across the region have improved outcomes and created a future where innovative oncology solutions become the norm, not the exception. Together, by harnessing technology, nurturing partnerships, and keeping patients at the heart of every decision,
we can build a future where cancer care is not only advanced and accessible but truly transformative for generations to come.
