The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and our 21 member institutions are dedicated to improving the care available to patients around the world. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) and the attendant scientific, evaluative process has become the model for the development and communication of clinical recommendations based on evidence review integrated with expert judgment.
The NCCN is pleased to extend our scientific, clinical collaboration to thought leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The NCCN–MENA Guidelines Congress held in Abu Dhabi, running from April 23 to 26, 2009, brought together leading clinicians to review the NCCN Guidelines and supporting data and to discuss the applicability of the NCCN Guidelines to patients in this part of our world. As always, the clinical discussion highlighted areas for improvement and clarification in the NCCN Guidelines. As Drs. Azim, Jazieh, and Jahanzeb point out in the accompanying introduction, the work has begun and the initial thinking is published is this “Abu Dhabi Declaration.” Much work remains as experts identify issues for study in trials or through other research methods, issues that relate to possible differences in genetic makeup and its expression, differences in the availability of technology across the 16 countries, and other factors.
The NCCN thanks our colleagues in the Middle East and North Africa for their willingness to share their knowledge, expertise, and experience as we work to improve cancer care for patients whom we serve.
