Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Showcases Innovation and Research to Support Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Vision at Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), one of the world’s leading cancer treatment, education and research institutions, will participate in the upcoming Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, underscoring its dedication to patients across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
Dr. Ghassan Abou-Alfa, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologist at MSK, will speak on two panels at the Global Health Exhibition: New Frontiers in Genomics and Precision Medicine: Innovations, Clinical Impact, and Ethical Challenges and Smart Hospitals: Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Patient Care. He will highlight how breakthroughs in genetic profiling and targeted therapies are transforming cancer treatment, and how technologies such as artificial intelligence and data interoperability are redefining the patient experience and outcomes.
Dr. Abou-Alfa has been actively engaged in regional healthcare dialogues, including a recent appearance at the C3 U.S.–Arab Healthcare & Business Summit in New York, where he joined leaders from King Faisal Specialist Hospital to discuss Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its role in advancing global healthcare.
“Saudi Arabia is taking remarkable steps to reimagine healthcare delivery, combining innovation with a strong vision for patient-centered care,” said Dr. Abou-Alfa. “Through long-standing relationships with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, and institutions such as the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, MSK is proud to support these achievements and to contribute to a shared vision of advancing education, research, and patient care in the Kingdom.”
In addition to panel participation, MSK will highlight its education initiatives and fellowships, which have trained Saudi physicians – including the first Saudi woman to pursue oncology fellowship training at MSK. These programs reflect MSK’s belief in the power of knowledge transfer to strengthen local capacity and advance cancer care globally.
Dr. Abou-Alfa will be joined in Riyadh by Alexandra Forauer, Director of Destination Services at MSK, who will highlight specialized support for international patients through the Bobst International Center. The center streamlines access to MSK’s world-renowned expertise, from medical record reviews and appointment scheduling to treatment planning and travel coordination.
“At MSK, we understand that seeking care internationally can feel overwhelming for patients and their families,” said Forauer. “Our role is to make that journey as seamless as possible, from the first medical record review to arranging travel and follow-up care. We are committed to ensuring that patients from Saudi Arabia not only receive the best clinical expertise, but also feel fully supported throughout the entire process.”
As part of its participation at GHE, MSK will also share updates on recent research breakthroughs in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including advances in treatment for cancers driven by KRAS gene mutations (a common driver of tumor growth). With the rising prevalence of colorectal cancer among younger populations in Saudi Arabia, as well as known challenges and recent advances in treating pancreatic cancer, MSK is committed to fostering global, collaborative progress in cancer science.
MSK’s presence at the Global Health Exhibition highlights its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. By combining world-class expertise with enduring partnerships in Saudi Arabia, MSK supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to deliver world-leading healthcare for all patients.
www.mskcc.org.
