Cancer control is increasingly shaped not only by access to diagnosis and treatment, but also by a country’s ability to generate scientific evidence, conduct clinical research, leverage health data, and participate in international collaborations.
This vision was at the heart of Algeria’s First International Conference on Cancer Research, organized by the National Commission for Cancer Prevention and Control (CNPLCC) in partnership with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), under the High Patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The event brought together a remarkable range of stakeholders, including the Minister of Health, the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, the Director of IARC, the President of the National Health Security Agency, the President of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research, the President of the National Authority for Personal Data Protection, the President of the Economic Renewal Council, and representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Researchers, clinicians, academic leaders, medical societies, and experts from Africa, Europe, and the Arab world also participated, highlighting the growing international dimension of Algeria’s oncology ambitions.
More importantly, the conference signaled a broader national objective: building a sustainable cancer research ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, clinical trials, scientific collaboration, and evidence-based cancer policy.
A Strong Signal from the World Health Organization
One of the most significant aspects of the conference was the participation of Dr. Elisabeth Weiderpass, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization.
Her presence represented more than symbolic support. It reflected growing international recognition of Algeria’s efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, research, pharmaceutical development, and healthcare modernization.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Weiderpass met with Algerian health authorities, including Minister of Health Mohamed Seghir Aït Mesbah and Professor Adda Bounedjer, President of the National Commission for Cancer Prevention and Control.
During these discussions, she praised Algeria’s progress in pharmaceutical manufacturing and ongoing efforts to develop the production of anticancer medicines. She also highlighted the importance of continuing investments in prevention, primary healthcare, early detection, scientific research, and international cooperation.
Importantly, Dr. Weiderpass expressed IARC’s willingness to support Algeria through scientific and methodological assistance, capacity building for young researchers, and the development of international research partnerships.
The two parties also discussed opportunities to strengthen cancer registries, expand clinical research activities, and explore Algeria’s future integration into IARC initiatives, opening new perspectives for international collaboration and scientific exchange.
Research as a Strategic Pillar of Cancer Control
The conference comes shortly after Algeria’s adoption of the National Cancer Plan 2035, which identifies research and training as one of its five strategic pillars.
During the meeting, Health Minister Mohamed Seghir Aït Mesbah reaffirmed that scientific and clinical research are essential components of the national strategy, emphasizing their role in improving diagnosis, treatment, healthcare planning, and evaluation of public health programs.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing health information systems and accelerating healthcare digitalization, two key elements for the development of high-quality cancer research.
These priorities are particularly relevant at a time when oncology is increasingly driven by precision medicine, real-world evidence, artificial intelligence, molecular diagnostics, and large-scale health data analysis.
Algeria’s Expanding Clinical Research Landscape
One of the most notable announcements made during the conference concerned the current state of clinical research in Algeria.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 320 clinical studies have been conducted in Algeria over the past 15 years, with over 20% focusing on oncology. Currently, 57 active cancer clinical trials are underway across the country.
These figures illustrate significant progress in the development of clinical research infrastructure and suggest a growing capacity to contribute to international scientific knowledge.
Clinical research plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes by providing access to innovative therapies, generating locally relevant evidence, and supporting the adoption of new standards of care.
The conference therefore highlighted the importance of creating favorable conditions for future clinical trials, research networks, and academic-industry partnerships.
From Scientific Meetings to a National Research Roadmap
Unlike many scientific conferences that focus primarily on knowledge dissemination, this meeting placed particular emphasis on developing actionable recommendations.
Six thematic workshops were organized to help shape a future national roadmap for cancer research.
The workshops addressed:
- research governance and international partnerships;
- innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, and biobanks;
- cancer registries, Big Data, and health information systems;
- clinical research in oncology;
- training, scientific mobility, and engagement of the Algerian scientific diaspora;
- ethics, patient involvement, and personal data protection.
Taken together, these themes reflect a comprehensive understanding of what is required to build a modern cancer research ecosystem.
Scientific progress depends not only on funding and infrastructure, but also on robust governance, skilled human resources, high-quality data, international collaboration, and active patient participation.
Looking Toward a National Cancer Research Institute
Another major ambition highlighted during the conference is Algeria’s plan to establish its first National Institute for Cancer Research by 2035.
Such an institution could serve as a national platform for translational research, clinical trials, epidemiological studies, innovation, and international collaboration.
The project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen research capacity while creating opportunities for young investigators and healthcare professionals interested in oncology research.
For many observers, the establishment of a dedicated national cancer research institute would represent a transformative step in the country’s scientific development.
Prevention, Registries, and HPV Vaccination
The discussions also extended beyond research infrastructure to address prevention and population health.
Particular attention was given to strengthening cancer registries, which remain essential tools for understanding disease burden, monitoring trends, evaluating interventions, and guiding healthcare policy.
The meeting additionally explored the development of a national roadmap for cervical cancer prevention, including HPV vaccination and early detection initiatives expected to begin during 2026–2027.
These efforts are consistent with international recommendations emphasizing prevention and early detection as cost-effective strategies for reducing cancer mortality.
The Minister of Health also stressed the central role of primary healthcare services in prevention and early diagnosis, highlighting the importance of community-based screening and awareness programs in improving cancer outcomes.
Aligning with Global Cancer Priorities
The conference also coincides with a historic moment in global oncology policy.
For the first time, the G7 Heads of State and Government adopted a declaration specifically dedicated to cancer, elevating the fight against the disease to the highest level of the international political agenda.
The declaration identified three major priorities: advancing childhood cancer research through international collaboration and data sharing; improving outcomes for cancers with poor prognosis through prevention and earlier diagnosis; and ensuring equitable access to quality cancer care across both high-income and low- and middle-income countries.
Many of these priorities closely resonate with the themes discussed in Algiers, including research collaboration, clinical trials, health data infrastructure, innovation, prevention, and equitable access to care.
The participation of IARC leadership and experts from multiple regions of the world further underscored the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing increasingly complex cancer challenges.
Toward a New Era of Oncology Research in Algeria
Beyond the scientific presentations and institutional meetings, Algeria’s First International Conference on Cancer Research sent a clear message: cancer research is becoming a strategic national priority.
The discussions held in Algiers highlighted an ambition that extends beyond improving cancer care delivery. They point toward the creation of an integrated ecosystem connecting research, innovation, clinical trials, digital health, prevention, pharmaceutical development, and international collaboration.
As Algeria advances toward the objectives outlined in its National Cancer Plan 2035, initiatives such as strengthening cancer registries, expanding clinical research, supporting young investigators, developing HPV prevention programs, and establishing a National Institute for Cancer Research may play a defining role in shaping the future of oncology in the country.
Ultimately, the conference demonstrated Algeria’s commitment not only to benefiting from global oncology advances, but also to contributing to the international effort to reduce the burden of cancer through research, innovation, and scientific cooperation.
Written by Dr. Imene Hadji and Prof. Adda Bounedjar