Beirut, Lebanon — July 27, 2024
Makassed General Hospital, in collaboration with the Lebanese Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, successfully hosted a conference focusing on recent advancements in the treatment and surgical interventions for head and neck cancers. The event, held on July 27, 2024, brought together distinguished medical professionals from across Lebanon to discuss innovative practices in oncology care.
Event Overview
The conference, titled “Head and Neck Cancer: Updates in Treatment and Surgical Interventions,” took place in the hospital’s conference room on the first floor of the Sana Tabbara Building. It ran from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, attracting a diverse audience of healthcare practitioners, researchers, and students.
Sessions and Key Topics
A Collaborative Effort to Enhance Cancer Care
The event highlighted the critical role of collaboration in improving cancer treatment outcomes. Dr. Wael Jarouch, Chief Medical Officer at Makassed General Hospital, and Dr. Roger Moukarbel delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to state-of-the-art care and continuous professional development.
The conference program was divided into three main sessions:
- Oropharyngeal, Laryngeal, Oral Cavity, and Salivary Gland Tumor Management Updates
Key presentations included:
- Dr. Clement Khoury (Clemenceau Medical Center) on squamous and basal cell carcinoma management.
- Dr. Roger Moukarbel (University of Balamand) on oropharyngeal cancer updates.
- Dr. Rami Saade on advanced laryngeal cancer treatment strategies.
- Dr. Antoine Melkane on oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
- Dr. Marc Mourad (AUBMC) on malignant salivary gland tumor management.
- Surgical Interventions and Reconstruction
A session focusing on reconstructive surgery techniques for head and neck cancer patients, with presentations from:
- Dr. Bassel El Baba (Makassed General Hospital) on tongue reconstruction.
- Dr. Sami Melki on maxillary and mandibular reconstructions.
- Dr. Roger Moukarbel on flap choices in complex head and neck reconstructions.
Moderated by Dr. Mohamad Siblini and Dr. Mohamad El Zaatari. - Multidisciplinary Approach
The final session emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in cancer care:
- Dr. Ali Youssef (Makassed General Hospital) discussed immunotherapy in metastatic head and neck cancers.
- Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim focused on the management of Waldeyer ring lymphomas.
Impact and Networking Opportunities
Supported by esteemed sponsors such as Pharmaline and Infinity Medicals, the event underscored Makassed General Hospital’s dedication to enhancing oncology care in Lebanon. It also provided valuable networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration among healthcare providers. The conference marked a significant step forward in advancing the management and treatment of head and neck cancers in the region
