The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
DUBAI / RIYADH / GULF TIME
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a world-renowned leader in cancer treatment and research, has announced groundbreaking data at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. The research spans some of the most pressing challenges in oncology, with results that are poised to reshape global treatment standards for patients around the world, including in the Middle East.
Global immunotherapy breakthrough in gastric and esophageal cancer
Leading the ASCO agenda was the Matterhorn Phase 3 clinical trial, presented by Dr. Yelena Janjigian, Chief of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at MSK. The study introduces a major advancement in the fight against gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers — both among the top causes of cancer-related deaths in the MENA region.[1]
The trial, conducted at 147 study centers across 20 countries, showed that adding immunotherapy (durvalumab) to standard chemotherapy before and after surgery significantly improves patient outcomes. This immunotherapy works by “unmasking” cancer cells, which makes them easier for the patient’s own immune system to identify and destroy.
“For gastroesophageal cancer patients to go through surgery and chemo, it’s devastating to have a recurrence of the cancer,” says Dr. Janjigian. “This trial shows that adding immunotherapy to chemo before and after surgery can dramatically improve the chance that cancer won’t return.”
“The patients were able to have successful surgery,” Dr. Janjigian adds, “without compromising safety. And the chance of complete disappearance of the cancer — known as complete response — was higher with durvalumab.”
This marks a new global standard of care, offering renewed hope for younger and high-risk patients in the Middle East.
Targeting small cell lung cancer with immunotherapy
In a separate global study, MSK researchers announced encouraging data showing that immunotherapy significantly improves survival rates in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a rare but aggressive form of the disease. Dr. Charles Rudin, Co-Director of MSK’s Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research, emphasized the importance of this advancement in defining a better option than traditional chemotherapy for patients with recurrent small cell lung cancer.
A noninvasive breakthrough for early detection of endometrial cancer
Women’s health also took center stage at ASCO, as MSK revealed a first-of-its-kind, noninvasive test for early detection of endometrial cancer. In a pilot study led by Dr. Alicia Latham, this new screening tool outperformed blood-based tests, holding immense promise for high-risk populations. With over 400,000 women diagnosed globally each year, this innovation is particularly relevant in regions where early screening options are limited.
Music as medicine: Treating anxiety in cancer survivors
Recognizing the emotional toll of cancer, MSK researchers explored the power of music therapy to address anxiety in survivors – a condition affecting one in three patients. Dr. Kevin Liou, an integrative medicine specialist at MSK, found that structured music therapy sessions significantly reduced anxiety, highlighting the importance of holistic care in survivorship programs.
MSK’s contributions at ASCO reaffirm its commitment to pioneering treatments and improving cancer care worldwide. With strong partnerships in the UAE and the wider Gulf region, MSK continues to serve as a trusted resource for patients and healthcare providers seeking advanced, compassionate care.
[1] According to UAE National Cancer Registry data, in 2021 stomach cancer was the fifth most common cause of cancer death in both men and women in the UAE, responsible for around 4.3% of cancer deaths.