Bladder Cancer Care
2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 (Africa/Nairobi)
SPEAKERS: Dr. Patrick Mbuthia, Dr. Helena Musau, Dr Mohammed Ezzi
Date: 21st May 2026
Moderator: Dr. Sitna Mwanzi
This session examined bladder cancer through a multidisciplinary lens, bringing together surgical, radiotherapeutic and systemic treatment perspectives across the continuum of care.
A central theme was the need for accurate staging and risk-adapted management. Dr. Patrick Mbuthia discussed the role of transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) in diagnosis, staging and treatment, particularly for non-muscle invasive disease. The importance of complete resection, adequate detrusor muscle in the specimen, careful imaging and attention to complications was emphasized as central to subsequent treatment decisions.
Dr. Helena Musau highlighted the evolving role of radiotherapy in bladder preservation, especially through tri-modality therapy combining maximal TURBT, concurrent chemoradiation and structured response assessment. The discussion also addressed patient selection, surveillance, salvage options, palliative radiotherapy for symptoms, and the value of newer radiotherapy techniques in reducing toxicity while preserving quality of life.
Dr. Mohammed Ezzi reviewed systemic treatment across non-muscle invasive, muscle invasive and metastatic bladder cancer. He outlined the role of intravesical therapy, BCG, cisplatin eligibility, immunotherapy, maintenance strategies and emerging options such as antibody-drug conjugates and targeted agents, while noting that cost and availability continue to shape real-world treatment in Kenya.
Across the session, a consistent message emerged: improving bladder cancer outcomes requires timely diagnosis, high-quality TURBT, multidisciplinary decision-making and treatment pathways that reflect both evidence and local access reality.
Key Takeaways

Bladder cancer management depends on accurate staging and distinction between non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive disease.
High-quality TURBT with adequate muscle sampling is central to diagnosis and treatment planning.
Trimodality therapy offers bladder preservation for carefully selected patients.
Systemic therapy is rapidly evolving with immunotherapy, maintenance approaches and antibody-drug conjugates.
Local data are needed to address African patterns of disease, including schistosomiasis-associated squamous cell carcinoma.

The Brain Tumour Journey
2026-05-28 19:00 - 20:30
Speakers: Dr. Michael Magoha; Dr. Sarah Muma; Dr. Parmenas Minda Okemwa
Moderator: Mr. David L. Oluoch-Olunya
The Brain Tumour Journey brought together neurosurgery, paediatric haemato-oncology and neuropathology perspectives to examine how multidisciplinary collaboration can improve care for patients with brain tumours. The session positioned brain tumour management as a continuum, from first symptoms and referral to surgery, pathology, oncology treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up and family support.
Dr. Michael Magoha opened the session by reframing the brain tumour journey around the patient experience. He noted that brain tumours often carry fear and uncertainty, yet they are not a single diagnosis or a uniform prognosis. With more than 150 tumour types and subtypes, the patient’s pathway can vary widely. His presentation highlighted the role of patient navigation in helping individuals move through imaging, surgery, pathology, endocrine review, oncology care and long-term follow-up without being lost in fragmented systems.
Dr. Sarah Muma focused on the multidisciplinary management of childhood brain tumours in Kenya. She highlighted that brain and CNS tumours appear under-recognised in local and African childhood cancer data, suggesting delays in diagnosis and referral. Children may present with persistent headaches, vomiting, visual changes, seizures, gait or coordination problems, abnormal head growth, behavioral changes or endocrine-related symptoms. The discussion emphasized the need for a higher index of suspicion, especially when symptoms are progressive, recurrent or not responding as expected.
The session also examined Kenyan system-level challenges, including limited access to timely imaging, prolonged pathways between surgery and radiotherapy, scarcity of formal paediatric neuro-oncology programs and treatment abandonment. Dr. Muma described the value of neuro-oncology multidisciplinary clinics, where patients and families can receive coordinated input from neurosurgery, oncology, radiology, pathology, rehabilitation, counselling and navigation teams within a more structured care pathway.
Dr. Parmenas Minda Okemwa closed the presentations by discussing the principles and diagnostic challenges of brain tumour pathology. He emphasized that pathology remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but modern brain tumour care increasingly depends on integrated reporting that combines clinical context, radiology, histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular testing. His presentation underscored the need for adequate tissue sampling, stronger neuropathology capacity, expanded diagnostic panels, molecular testing access and regular multidisciplinary tumour board discussions.
Across the session, the message was clear: improving brain tumour outcomes requires coordinated systems, not isolated excellence. Timely diagnosis, accurate pathology, surgical expertise, oncology planning, patient navigation, rehabilitation and survivorship support must work together if patients are to receive care that is clinically sound, humane and sustainable.
Key Takeaways

Brain tumour care is a journey, not a single event. Patients often require coordinated input across imaging, surgery, pathology, oncology treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up.
Patient navigation can reduce fragmentation. Navigators help patients and families move through complex health systems and reduce the risk of missed appointments, delayed reviews or incomplete follow-up.
Children may present with subtle or progressive symptoms. Persistent headaches, seizures, visual changes, gait problems, behavioural changes or endocrine symptoms should prompt a high index of suspicion.
Multidisciplinary clinics can shorten delays. Same-day or coordinated review by several specialists can improve treatment planning and reduce the burden on families.
Accurate diagnosis depends on integrated pathology. Histology remains central, but immunohistochemistry and molecular testing increasingly guide classification, prognosis and treatment options.
Kenya’s neuro-oncology systems are advancing but need strengthening. Referral pathways, registries, specialist training, diagnostic capacity, molecular testing access and survivorship systems remain key priorities.

Strengthening Haemato-Oncology Care
2026-06-11 19:00 - 20:30
STRENGTHENING HAEMATO-ONCOLOGY CARE THROUGH PALLIATIVE CARE AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Moderator: Prof. John Weru
Speaker: Prof. Sayed Karar
Date: 11 June 2026

This session examined palliative care as a critical component of quality and comprehensive haemato-oncology care. The discussion challenged the misconception that palliative care belongs only at the end of life and instead presented it as an added layer of support that can be introduced early, alongside active treatment.
A central theme was the distinction between palliative care and hospice. Prof. Sayed Karar emphasized that palliative care can support patients and families at any stage of serious illness, including during chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other disease directed treatment. Hospice care, by contrast, is generally associated with advanced disease when curative options are no longer appropriate. The discussion framed palliative care as a holistic service that addresses pain, symptoms, psychological distress, spiritual concerns, social needs and family burden.
The session also situated palliative care within the African and Kenyan context. Prof. Karar highlighted the large unmet need for palliative care across the continent, the uneven availability of services, limited access to opioids and the continued underuse of affordable medicines such as morphine. Local studies were used to show how research can change practice, including ICU trigger models that help identify patients who should receive timely palliative care review.
Through case scenarios, the discussion explored difficult conversations, symptom control, prognostication, end of life feeding, dialysis decisions, family conflict and the role of faith and hope in care decisions. Practical tools such as the SPIKES framework were discussed as a way to support clear, compassionate communication. The session also reinforced the importance of identifying the appropriate decision maker, using plain language and allowing families time to process serious news.
Across the session, a consistent message emerged: palliative care is not about withdrawing care. It is about strengthening care, relieving suffering, supporting decision making and helping patients and families navigate serious illness with dignity.
Key Takeaways

Palliative care should be introduced early and can run alongside active haemato-oncology treatment.
Hospice and palliative care are related but not the same; palliative care is appropriate at any stage of serious illness.
Pain control requires careful assessment, stepwise treatment, safe opioid use and attention to side effects such as constipation.
Difficult conversations need preparation, privacy, clear language, empathy and structured follow up.
Local palliative care research can influence practice, including the use of triggers to identify patients who need timely review.
Every clinician should have basic palliative care skills, especially in settings where specialist services are limited.

Nutrition into Oncology
2026-06-18 19:00 - 20:30
Integrating Nutrition into Oncology Practice
Fueling Better Outcomes
📅 Date: 18th June 2026
🕖 Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM EAT
🏅 CPD Accredited
MODERATOR
Kennedy Okinda
Oncology Nutrition Specialist, Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital
SPEAKER
Njoki Karanja
Oncology Nutrition Specialist
Nutrition in Cancer Care: From Treatment to Recovery
SPEAKER
Dr. Andrew Odhiambo
Medical Oncologist, The Nairobi Hospital; Thematic Head & Program Director, Medical Oncology, UON
The Clinical Impact of Nutrition on Cancer Outcomes

Sickle Cell Disease
2026-06-25 19:30 - 20:30
SICKLE CELL DISEASE: FROM NEWBORN DETECTION TO LONG-TERM OUTCOMES

Moderator: Dr. Fatmah Abdallah
Speakers: Dr. Bernard Awuonda and Dr. Sophie Uyoga

This session examined sickle cell disease through the full patient pathway, from newborn detection and early diagnosis to long-term care, survival and health-system readiness.
Dr. Bernard Awuonda opened the session by situating sickle cell disease as an inherited haemoglobin disorder and emphasising the importance of public education in reducing stigma. The discussion highlighted that sickle cell disease is not contagious and that clear communication with families and communities is essential for improving understanding, genetic counselling and health-seeking behaviour.
A major focus of the session was the burden of sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya. Dr. Awuonda noted that without timely intervention, many children born with sickle cell disease in high-burden settings die before the age of five. This framed the case for newborn screening as a life-saving public health intervention, rather than a specialist service alone.
The discussion explored screening modalities, including point-of-care testing and laboratory-based approaches, and highlighted the importance of linking screening to action. Early detection only improves outcomes when it is followed by caregiver education, prophylactic care, vaccination, access to hydroxyurea where appropriate, routine monitoring and clear referral pathways.
Dr. Sophie Uyoga shared experience from Kilifi, where structured sickle cell care has combined clinical service delivery, research, patient follow-up and community engagement. The session highlighted how early testing, routine monitoring, access to hydroxyurea and caregiver education can improve survival and health-seeking behaviour.
The discussion also addressed the realities of long-term care, including transition from paediatric to adult services, psychosocial support, affordability, access to diagnostics, transfusion planning and the importance of maintaining patients in care. The speakers emphasised that sickle cell disease should not be viewed as a death sentence. With early diagnosis, structured follow-up and supportive systems, patients can live fuller and longer lives.
The session reinforced the need to operationalise infant screening policy, strengthen financing, improve point-of-care capacity, support data systems and build care pathways that connect newborn screening to lifelong care.
Key Takeaways

Newborn screening is critical for early identification and timely intervention in sickle cell disease.
Screening must be linked to care, including caregiver education, prophylaxis, vaccination, routine monitoring and referral pathways.
Sickle cell disease is inherited and not contagious; community education remains important for reducing stigma.
Hydroxyurea, routine monitoring and structured clinical follow-up can reduce complications and improve outcomes.
Transition from paediatric to adult care requires stronger planning, psychosocial support and retention strategies.
Policy, financing, data systems and point-of-care testing are essential for scaling sickle cell care across Kenya.

Management of Endometrial Cancer
2026-07-09 19:00 - 20:30
A Multidisciplinary Approach in the Management of Endometrial Cancer
📅 9th July 2026
⏰ 7PM – 8:30PM EAT
Join our expert panel:
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Alfred Mokomba — Surgical Management and Risk Stratification
👩‍⚕️ Dr. Catherine Nyongesa — Adjuvant Radiotherapy and Multidisciplinary Decision-Making
🎙️ Moderated by Dr. Edward Sang
Summary
This session examined endometrial cancer through a multidisciplinary lens, linking early recognition and tissue diagnosis with surgical planning, molecular risk classification and adjuvant treatment.
A central theme was that treatment decisions increasingly depend on both traditional clinicopathological risk factors and tumour biology. Dr. Catherine Nyongesa reviewed stage, grade, depth of myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion and histology alongside the molecular groups defined by POLE mutation, mismatch repair deficiency, non-specific molecular profile and p53 abnormality. The discussion highlighted the practical value of mismatch repair and p53 immunohistochemistry, which can help refine prognosis and guide treatment even where broader molecular testing is limited.
Radiotherapy was presented as a risk-adapted component of care. Vaginal brachytherapy remains an important option for appropriately selected high-intermediate-risk patients, while pelvic external beam radiotherapy is reserved for patients with greater pelvic or nodal risk. In higher-risk disease, particularly stage III and p53-abnormal tumours, chemotherapy and combined-modality approaches become increasingly relevant.
Dr. Alfred Mokomba focused on the diagnostic and surgical pathway. Postmenopausal bleeding was emphasised as a warning sign that should prompt investigation rather than reassurance. Endometrial sampling should establish histology before definitive surgery, supported by imaging and appropriate staging. The extent of surgery and nodal assessment should then reflect disease stage, histology and risk rather than following a uniform approach.
Across the session, a consistent message emerged: endometrial cancer outcomes depend on getting the sequence right from the beginning. Early recognition, accurate pathology, risk-adapted surgery and coordinated adjuvant treatment allow the multidisciplinary team to individualise care while using available resources more effectively.
Key Takeaways

Postmenopausal bleeding should prompt timely investigation and tissue diagnosis.
Stage, histology, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion and molecular class all contribute to risk stratification.
Mismatch repair and p53 immunohistochemistry can provide clinically useful molecular information in resource-constrained settings.
Brachytherapy, pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be selected according to recurrence risk and tumour biology.
Surgery should be planned within a multidisciplinary pathway and followed by review of final pathology and adjuvant needs.

Continue the learning
This summary captures only part of the discussion. To request the full session recording, contact the KESHO Secretariat. KESHO members can access CME recordings and revisit expert-led sessions across haematology and oncology throughout the year. Join KESHO to access the full CME learning library.

Advancing Cardio-Oncology in East Africa
2026-07-16 19:00 - 20:30
Advancing Cardio-Oncology in East Africa
From Evidence to Everyday Practice

Date: Thursday, 16th July 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EAT

Speakers

Dr. Anne Mwirigi;

Consultant Haematologist & Assistant Professor | Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Dr. Kieran Mwazo

Consultant Cardiologist | Head of the Cardiology Division | Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Mombasa

Dr. Joseph Abuodha

Consultant Medical Oncologist | Department of Haematology and Oncology | Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
Moderator

Prof. Arjun Ghosh

Consultant Cardiologist | Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital | London & University College London Hospital
Summary
This joint KESHO and Kenya Cardiac Society session explored how cardiovascular care can be integrated into cancer treatment from baseline assessment through active therapy and long-term survivorship.
A central theme was that advances in cancer treatment have created a growing population of survivors while also expanding the range of potential cardiovascular effects. Dr. Anne Mwirigi set the scene by tracing the evolution of cancer therapy and highlighting how conventional chemotherapy, targeted treatments and newer agents may affect the heart and vascular system in different ways.
Dr. Kieran Mwazo brought the discussion into the East African setting, emphasising that cancer and cardiovascular disease share several risk factors and frequently coexist. Baseline assessment, optimisation of existing cardiovascular disease and structured surveillance can help identify patients who need closer monitoring. ECG, echocardiography, global longitudinal strain, cardiac biomarkers and advanced imaging were discussed as tools for detecting treatment-related injury before it becomes clinically advanced.
Through clinical cases, Dr. Joseph Abuodha illustrated the complexity of decisions when cardiac toxicity develops during potentially life-prolonging cancer treatment. Bradyarrhythmias, changes in cardiac function and suspected treatment-related myocardial injury highlighted the need to consider both oncological benefit and cardiovascular risk rather than automatically prioritising one condition over the other. Shared decision-making and close collaboration between specialties were repeatedly emphasised.
The session also looked beyond individual cases to the systems needed for cardio-oncology in Kenya and the region, including integrated referral pathways, locally adapted protocols, workforce development and stronger data collection. Across the session, a consistent message emerged: cardio-oncology is about protecting cardiovascular health without unnecessarily compromising effective cancer treatment.
Key Takeaways

Cardiovascular assessment should begin before potentially cardiotoxic cancer treatment is started.
Modern cancer therapies can produce a broad range of cardiovascular effects beyond heart failure alone.
Risk-adapted surveillance using ECG, echocardiography, strain and biomarkers can support earlier detection of toxicity.
Treatment decisions should balance oncological benefit with cardiovascular risk through multidisciplinary and shared decision-making.
East Africa needs stronger cardio-oncology pathways, training, locally relevant protocols and regional data.

Continue the learning
This summary captures only part of the discussion. To request the full session recording, contact the KESHO Secretariat. KESHO members can access CME recordings and revisit expert-led sessions across haematology and oncology throughout the year. Join KESHO to access the full CME learning library.

Management of Treatment-Induced Neurotoxicity
2026-07-23 19:30 - 20:30
Management of Treatment-Induced Neurotoxicity session
23rd July 2026, 7–8:30 PM EAT,
Featuring Dr. Herman Ekea, Dr. Karishma Sharma, and Dr. Juzar Hooker

Click to Register

Implementing Precision Oncology in LMICs
2026-07-30 19:30 - 20:30
Implementing Precision Oncology in LMICs:
From Diagnosis to Clinical Decision-Making
Date: 30th July 2026
Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM EAT
Speaker
Prof. Shahin Sayed
Associate Professor & Consultant, Anatomical Pathology and Cytology, Department of Pathology, Medical College, Aga Khan University; Chair & Laboratory Director. Pathology, AKUH, N
The Diagnostic Foundations of Precision Oncology: Pathology, Biomarkers and Molecular Testing
Speaker
Prof. Chite Asirwa
Medical Oncologist & Hematologist; CEO, International Cancer Institute
Precision Oncology in LMICs: Current Landscape, Clinical Application and the Road Ahead
Moderator
Prof. Nicholas Abinya
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Nairobi Hospital Cancer Centre
Summary
This session examined what meaningful precision oncology looks like in low- and middle-income countries, connecting clinical decision-making with pathology, molecular diagnostics, patient factors, health-system capacity and access to treatment.
A central theme was that precision oncology is broader than genomic sequencing. Prof. Chite Asirwa described it as the integration of clinical, pathological, molecular, environmental and patient-specific information across diagnosis, prognosis, treatment selection and monitoring. Used well, this approach can reduce ineffective empirical treatment, limit unnecessary toxicity and direct limited resources towards interventions most likely to benefit the patient.
Prof. Shahin Sayed focused on the diagnostic foundations that make precision care possible. High-quality tissue, correct fixation and handling, validated assays, quality assurance and clinically useful reporting all determine whether a molecular result can be trusted. The discussion reinforced that advanced testing cannot compensate for weak foundational pathology, and that essential immunohistochemistry and biomarker testing remain an important starting point for many settings.
The session also addressed Africa’s underrepresentation in genomic datasets and the challenge of interpreting variants when locally relevant reference data are limited. Molecular results need clinical context and, where possible, multidisciplinary interpretation. Liquid biopsy and circulating tumour DNA were discussed as promising tools for selected applications, but standardisation, quality control and careful use remain important, particularly when considering screening.
Implementation was therefore framed as a phased health-system journey rather than a technology purchase. Strong pathology services, reliable essential biomarkers, regional molecular capacity, better patient navigation, financing and locally generated data must develop together. Across the session, a consistent message emerged: precision oncology has greatest value when a reliable test leads to a clinically meaningful decision and an accessible treatment pathway.
Key Takeaways

Precision oncology integrates clinical, pathological, molecular and patient-specific information rather than genomics alone.
Accurate pathology, specimen quality and laboratory quality assurance are foundational to every precision treatment decision.
Essential biomarkers and immunohistochemistry should be strengthened before indiscriminate expansion into complex testing.
African genomic data and multidisciplinary interpretation are needed to improve the relevance of molecular results.
Testing has limited value when results cannot be linked to accessible treatment, making financing and patient navigation part of precision care.

Continue the learning
This summary captures only part of the discussion. To request the full session recording, contact the KESHO Secretariat. KESHO members can access CME recordings and revisit expert-led sessions across haematology and oncology throughout the year. Join KESHO to access the full CME learning library.

Ovarian Cancer in Focus
2026-08-06 19:30 - 20:30
Ovarian Cancer in Focus: Innovation, Care and Evolving Care

Moderator: Dr. Amina K. Habib
Speaker: Dr. Chris Gallagher
Date: 6 August 2026

Summary
This session examined recent developments in epithelial ovarian cancer, from the continuing challenge of earlier diagnosis to surgical decision-making, molecular stratification, maintenance therapy and emerging options for recurrent and platinum-resistant disease.
A central theme was the move towards increasingly biomarker-informed care. Dr. Chris Gallagher highlighted how BRCA1/2 mutations and homologous recombination deficiency are shaping treatment selection, particularly PARP inhibitor maintenance after response to platinum-based chemotherapy. The discussion reinforced that these therapies offer the greatest value when matched to tumour biology rather than applied broadly.
The session also explored the challenge of finding ovarian cancer earlier. Emerging approaches using circulating DNA fragments may improve future detection, but the evidence remains preliminary and requires wider validation. Surgical treatment was similarly framed around careful patient selection: the choice between upfront cytoreductive surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy should reflect disease extent, patient fitness and the likelihood of achieving complete resection.
For recurrent and difficult-to-treat disease, the discussion highlighted newer approaches including folate receptor alpha-targeted antibody-drug conjugates in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and molecularly targeted strategies for low-grade serous disease. These developments are expanding treatment possibilities, although the role of immunotherapy remains less clearly established.
The discussion brought these advances into the African context, where access to BRCA and HRD testing, targeted therapies and newer medicines remains uneven. Molecular testing is most meaningful when it can inform an accessible treatment pathway. In recurrent disease especially, expected benefit must be weighed against toxicity, quality of life, patient fitness and financial burden.
Across the session, a consistent message emerged: ovarian cancer care is becoming increasingly defined by tumour biology, but improved outcomes still depend on appropriate surgery, access to molecular testing, careful patient selection and treatment pathways that reflect both evidence and real-world access.
Key Takeaways

Earlier detection remains a major unmet need, with emerging circulating DNA approaches still requiring further validation.
BRCA and homologous recombination status are increasingly important in guiding treatment selection.
Surgical sequencing should be individualised, with complete cytoreduction remaining an important treatment objective.
PARP inhibitors and newer targeted therapies are expanding options for selected patients, including those with recurrent or platinum-resistant disease.
In African settings, clinical benefit, treatment access, affordability and quality of life must remain central to decision-making.

Continue the learning
This summary captures only part of the discussion. To request the full session recording, contact the KESHO Secretariat. KESHO members can access CME recordings and revisit expert-led sessions across haematology and oncology throughout the year. Join KESHO to access the full CME learning library.

From Digital Diagnosis to Connected Cancer Care
2026-08-13 19:30 - 20:30
“From Digital Diagnosis to Connected Cancer Care”
CPD ACCREDITED
Date: 13th August 2026
Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM EAT
Speaker: Dr. Arvind Rao
Professor, Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan
Talk: “From Digital Diagnosis to AI-Powered Cancer Care: Governance, LLMs, and the Connected Future”
Speaker: Dr. Joshua Kibera
Anatomical Pathologist, CEO/Founder – The Pathology Network
Talk: “Beyond the Algorithm: Building the Digital Diagnostic Infrastructure for AI-Enabled Precision Cancer Care”
Moderator: Dr. Anne Korir
Senior Research Scientist, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Click to Register

The 9th Kenya International Cancer Conference
2026-11-19 08:00 - 2026-11-21 17:00
