Algeria Molecular Biology, Artificial Intelligence and Therapeutic Innovations: Two Days of Scientific Exchange Dedicated to the Future of Oncology
On November 5 and 6, 2026, the Chahid Mohamed Rezoug Cancer Control Center (CLCC) in Laghouat hosted the 1st National Forum of Experts in Oncology, organized by the center’s Department of Medical Oncology, in collaboration with the Algerian Society for Training and Research in Oncology (SAFRO).
This inaugural edition focused on a particularly timely theme: “From Molecular Biology to Personalized Medicine: Towards Building the Oncology of the Future.”
The event brought together professors, medical oncologists, specialists, researchers, and experts from various Algerian university and hospital institutions. Its main objective was to promote scientific exchange, share clinical experiences, and discuss the developments that are progressively transforming diagnostic and therapeutic practices in oncology.
Precision Medicine: Transforming Therapeutic Strategies
The first day focused on several major challenges in modern oncology, particularly breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
Presentations addressed recent therapeutic advances in metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, escalation and de-escalation strategies in dual HER2 blockade, and the value of the Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) score in assessing pathological response following neoadjuvant treatment.
Ovarian cancer also featured prominently, with discussions on the use of biomarkers, targeted therapies, and the role of PARP inhibitors in current therapeutic strategies. These presentations highlighted how molecular characterization of tumors has become essential for guiding therapeutic decisions and improving treatment selection.
Artificial Intelligence: A New Dimension in Predictive Oncology
One of the highlights of the meeting was a session dedicated to artificial intelligence and its potential applications in cancer care.
In a presentation entitled “Beyond Diagnosis: Towards Predictive and Adaptive Oncology,” Mr. Fayçal Djeridane, an expert in artificial intelligence and medical imaging, and a member of the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad, provided valuable insights into the opportunities offered by these emerging technologies.
Artificial intelligence is opening up new possibilities in medical image analysis, anomaly detection, clinical data processing, and clinical decision support.
Its potential extends beyond improving diagnostic performance. It could also help identify certain high-risk situations at an earlier stage, optimize screening pathways, and support the adaptation of therapeutic strategies.
This presentation also provided an opportunity to highlight an ambitious cancer screening project based on artificial intelligence, for which Laghouat has been selected as a pilot province. This initiative illustrates the importance of combining scientific expertise, technological innovation, and the commitment of local medical teams.
Therapeutic Innovations and the Realities of Clinical Practice
The second day continued the discussions on therapeutic advances in triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers, as well as gynecological malignancies.
Topics included emerging therapeutic approaches in triple-negative breast cancer, treatment strategies for ovarian cancer, and recent developments in the management of endometrial cancer.
A dedicated session also explored the role of chemotherapy in the era of innovative therapies.
The emergence of immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is profoundly transforming cancer treatment strategies. Nevertheless, chemotherapy continues to play an important role, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapeutic approaches, across numerous oncological indications.
The current challenge is to better define the respective roles of these different treatment modalities and optimize their use according to each patient’s biological and clinical characteristics.
Institutional Cooperation in Support of Continuing Medical Education
The opening ceremony also featured the signing of an agreement between the Laghouat Cancer Control Center and the Office of University Publications (OPU), aimed at providing the center’s healthcare professionals with access to an electronic library.
This initiative represents an important step towards facilitating access to scientific literature, promoting continuing medical education, and supporting research activities.
Laghouat: A Scientific Ambition Beyond Regional Boundaries
Beyond the richness of its scientific program, this first forum reflects the CLCC of Laghouat’s commitment to actively contributing to the development of oncology in Algeria.
By bringing together experts from different regions of the country, the meeting encouraged knowledge sharing, the exchange of clinical experiences, and stronger collaboration between medical and scientific teams.
It also highlights the increasingly important role of cancer centers in medical education, clinical research, and the dissemination of therapeutic innovations.
Conclusion: Building the Future of Algerian Oncology
From molecular biology to artificial intelligence, and from biomarkers to innovative therapies, oncology is undergoing a major transformation that calls for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
The success of this first edition of the National Forum of Experts in Oncology demonstrates the importance of creating spaces for scientific exchange, collaboration, and collective reflection.
By hosting this event, Laghouat is affirming its ambition to become an active contributor to this national scientific momentum and to help shape the future of oncology in Algeria.
