KESHO

Brain Cancer / Brain Tumour
2025-05-28 19:00 - 20:30 (Africa/Nairobi)

EA Oncology Summit
2025-05-24 08:30 - 16:00 | Virtual Event (Zoom), Kenya
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Multidisciplinary Approaches to Paediatric Brain Tumours
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event (Zoom), Kenya
Moderator: Dr Alfred Odhiambo
Speakers & Topics:

Mr David L. Oluoch‑Olunya: Surgical Management of Paediatric Brain Tumours
Dr Michael Magoha: Endocrinological Management of Paediatric Brain Tumours
Dr Ahmed Korir: Radiation Therapy in Paediatric Brain Tumours

Mr. David Oluoch-Olunya presentation summary
– Over 25 years, Kenya has moved from fragmented care to growing multidisciplinary tumour boards in urban centres.
– Key challenges remain: late diagnosis, radiotherapy access disparities, and poor survivorship follow-up.
– Regional initiatives like the Brain Tumor Consortium of Africa (BTCoA) aim to standardize care and improve data sharing.
– Priorities: expand MDT care to counties, national paediatric tumour registry, survivorship and rehab programs.
– Kenya has made major strides, but gaps persist in early detection, diagnostics, and referral systems.
Dr Ahmed Komen’s presentation summary
– RT use depends on age, tumour type/location, other treatments, and disease extent.
– Modern RT techniques include 2D, 3DCRT, IMRT, VMAT, and proton therapy (where available).
– RT aims: radical (curative) or palliative (symptom relief).
– RT delivery to children requires precise planning and often sedation or anaesthesia.
– Late effects of RT: cognitive decline, growth delay, hearing loss, hormonal dysfunction, secondary cancers.
– Younger age (<7 yrs) and higher doses correlate with greater neurocognitive risks.
– Proton therapy offers tissue-sparing benefits but has limited availability in LMICs.

Bladder Cancer
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:30
Moderator: Roselyne A. Okumu
Speakers & Topics:

Dr Melissa Reimers: Updates in the Management of Advanced Bladder Cancer
Prof Peter Mungai: Superficial Bladder Cancer Management

Management of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)
– NMIBC represents ~75% of new bladder cancer cases, typically presenting with painless hematuria.
– Diagnosis: Cystoscopy and TURBT; blue light cystoscopy improves detection.
– Risk-based treatment approach:
• Low/intermediate-risk: single post-op intravesical chemo (mitomycin C/gemcitabine)
• High-risk: 6-week BCG induction ± maintenance
– BCG-unresponsive NMIBC: radical cystectomy or emerging therapies.
– Promising bladder-sparing agents: TAR-200 (gemcitabine) and TAR-210 (erdafitinib).
– Trials (MoonRISe-3, SunRISe-5) show >80% DFS in high-risk patients.
Updates in Advanced and Metastatic Bladder Cancer
– Bladder cancer is the 4th most common male cancer globally.
– Molecular profiling is critical: test for FGFR3 and HER2.
– 1st-line standard: Enfortumab vedotin + Pembrolizumab (EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39).
– Platinum-eligible: Cis/gem ± nivolumab; Carb/gem → Avelumab maintenance.
– 2nd/3rd-line: Erdafitinib (FGFR+), T-DXd (HER2+).
– Novel ADCs (Enfortumab, Sacituzumab) offer superior outcomes to chemo.
– Trial enrolment is encouraged for all patients.
Key Clinical Takeaways
– Intravesical innovation is changing NMIBC treatment beyond BCG.
– Biomarker-driven therapy is now essential for managing advanced bladder cancer.
– Routine molecular testing is critical for individualized care

Melanoma/Skin Cancer
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:30

Management of Indolent Lymphomas
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:30
Moderator: Prof Nicholas Otieno Abinya
Speakers & Topics:

Dr Samson Mutanda: Practical Approaches in Clinical Case‑Driven Exploration
Prof Shahin Sayed: Histopathology & Low‑Grade Lymphomas
Dr Matilda Ongondi: CT Treatment Algorithm – A Practical Approach

Dr. Samson Mutanda – presented case-based exploration of CLL management in Kenyan settings.
– Key clinical points:
• CLL is heterogeneous and often indolent; many patients start with watchful waiting.
• Symptomatic cytopenias and disease progression warrant treatment.
• Therapy included bendamustine, rituximab, venetoclax, and novel agents like ibrutinib.
– Highlighted diagnostic limitations due to access to FISH, molecular testing, and cost of targeted therapies.
– Underscored importance of tailored care, especially in young patients and those with co-morbidities.
Dr. Matilda Ongondi – Provided a clinical introduction to indolent lymphomas, which are slow-growing B-cell neoplasms such as CLL/SLL, follicular lymphoma, and MZL.
– Emphasized the necessity for clinical vigilance and long-term monitoring.
– Stressed the need for diagnostic precision, the role of immunophenotyping, and the heterogeneity of clinical presentations.
– Highlighted treatment considerations: watchful waiting, targeted therapy, and challenges in resource-limited settings.
Prof. Shahin Sayed – Reviewed WHO-HEM5 classification of indolent lymphomas, emphasizing pathology-driven subtypes.
– Covered key immunophenotypic markers: CD5, CD23, LEF1, BCL2, Cyclin D1, etc.
– Presented rare pediatric and adolescent cases, illustrating diagnostic complexity and variability.
– Detailed histologic signs of aggressive transformation (e.g. high Ki-67, prolymphocytic features).
– Outlined molecular diagnostics: del(11q, 13q, 17p), TP53 mutations, IGHV SHM – all important for prognosis and treatment.
– Discussed evolving terminology: classic FL, follicular lymphoma with uncommon features (uFL), and follicular large cell lymphoma.

Open
2025-05-07 19:00 - 20:30

Testicular Cancer
2025-04-30 19:00 - 20:30

Advanced Ovarian Cancer
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event (Zoom), Kenya
Moderator: Prof Rose J. Kosgei
Speakers & Topics:

Prof Omenge Orang’o: Management of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Dr Peter Oyiro: PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer
Dr Charles Muteshi: Fertility Preservation in Ovarian Cancer

Epidemiology and Diagnosis (Prof. Omenge Oran’go)
– Ovarian cancer remains a significant cause of cancer mortality among women due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages.
– Kenya sees many cases diagnosed at advanced stages (III/IV), primarily due to non-specific symptoms and lack of screening.
– Important to understand pelvic anatomy and tumor spread patterns for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
Fertility Preservation in Ovarian Cancer (Dr. Charles Muteshi)
– Fertility-sparing surgery should be considered in selected early-stage epithelial ovarian cancers (Stage I).
– Discussion on embryo/oocyte cryopreservation for patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatment.
– Emphasized need for multidisciplinary counseling and prompt fertility consultations to ensure oncologic safety and reproductive potential.
Role of PARP Inhibitors (Dr. Peter Oyiro)
– PARP inhibitors like Olaparib offer significant benefits in BRCA-mutated and homologous recombination-deficient (HRD) ovarian cancers.
– SOLO-1 and SOLO-2 studies demonstrated prolonged progression-free survival and delayed recurrence in both frontline and maintenance settings.
– 7-year follow-up data show sustained benefit, with over 48% progression-free survival in Olaparib arms.
– Low incidence of serious adverse events, with anemia, fatigue, and nausea as the most common.
– Highlighted integration into Kenya Cancer Treatment Guidelines and importance of HRD testing.

World AML Day (21st)
2025-04-23 19:00 - 20:30

Bladder Cancer
2025-04-21 19:00 - 20:30

Head & Neck Cancer
2025-04-16 19:00 - 20:30

Esophageal Cancer CME
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event (Zoom), Kenya
Esophageal Cancer CME – Experience from a Regional Cancer Centre
Moderator: Dr Tracy Irura
Speakers & Topics:

Dr Omar Abdihamid: Evolving Landscape of Esophageal Cancer Treatment
Dr Abdullahi Hadi: Optimising Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer
Dr Mohamed Noor: Surgical Approaches to Esophageal Cancer

Dr. Noor Mohamed provided a historical evolution of esophageal cancer surgery from Czerny’s resection to modern minimally invasive techniques.
– Surgical resection remains critical, especially for early-stage and select advanced cases after neoadjuvant therapy.
– Key considerations include thorough staging (OGD, PET-CT, EUS), patient optimization (nutrition, glycemic control), and perioperative care.
– Outcomes from global surgical databases: R0 resection rates up to 93%, 30- and 90-day mortality rates at 2% and 4.5% respectively.
– Challenges in Kenya include late presentation, limited access to ICU care, and lack of trained personnel.
– Trials such as CROSS, PreSANO, and SANO are shaping modern surveillance versus resection decisions in select cases.
Dr. Omar Abdihamid – emphasized that most patients in Kenya present with locally advanced disease; male/female incidence is similar.
– Immunotherapy has shifted paradigms: CheckMate 648 showed improved OS with nivolumab + chemotherapy or ipilimumab.
– CROSS and ESOPEC trials guide perioperative regimens (carbo/taxol RT → surgery → nivolumab vs FLOT-based therapy).
– Early-stage SCC may be treated with endoscopic resection if well-differentiated, superficial, and no lymphovascular invasion.
– Radiotherapy regimens tailored by location: cervical tumors dose-escalated up to 60Gy; others typically 50.4Gy.
– Garissa Cancer Centre approach includes advanced IMRT planning, with regional data contributing to genomic and QoL research.
– SANO trial supports non-inferiority of active surveillance post-chemoradiotherapy, showing similar OS to surgery and better QoL.

Esophageal Cancer
2025-04-09 19:00 - 20:30

Head and Neck Cancer
2025-04-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event (Zoom), Kenya
Moderator: Dr Angela Waweru
Speakers & Topics:

Dr Harish Nagaraj: Radiologic Imaging of Head & Neck Cancers
Dr Solomon Mutua: Role of PET/CT Scan in Head & Neck Imaging

Dr. Solomon Mutua emphasized the value of PET/CT in radiotherapy planning:
– PET/CT allows for biologic imaging of tumors, identifying hypoxic and metabolically active subvolumes.
– Integration improves accuracy in delineating gross tumor volume (GTV), allowing for dose escalation while minimizing toxicity.
– Particularly beneficial in cases with occult primaries, equivocal CT/MRI, and in adaptive RT strategies.
– PET/CT-based contouring can reduce geographical misses and optimize nodal staging and treatment response.
– Hypoxia imaging and dose painting are under investigation to further personalize radiotherapy protocols.

Bowel Cancer
2025-04-02 19:00 - 20:30

Management of Kidney Cancer
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:30
Moderator: Dr Jonathan Wala
Speakers & Topics:

Dr Amina K. Habib: Optimizing Kidney Cancer Care
Dr Patrick Mbuthia: Surgical Aspects of Kidney Cancer Management

Diagnosis and Evaluation
– RCC includes clear cell, papillary, chromophobe, and rare subtypes.
– Classic triad (flank pain, hematuria, mass) is rare and suggests late-stage disease.
– Paraneoplastic syndromes present in ~30% of cases.
– Imaging: Ultrasound (cystic lesions), MRI/CT (staging), and renal function tests.
– Renal biopsy recommended for indeterminate lesions, small masses for surveillance, or metastatic confirmation.
Surgical Management
– Partial nephrectomy preferred in localized RCC for nephron-sparing and better long-term outcomes.
– Thrombectomy improves survival in non-metastatic RCC with IVC involvement.
– Cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastasectomy have roles in selected metastatic cases.
Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC)
– Represents 5–10% of urothelial cancers, commonly presents with hematuria.
– Risk factors: smoking, aristolochic acid, arsenic exposure, Lynch syndrome.
– Diagnostic tools: CT/MRI, cystoscopy, urinary cytology, retrograde pyelography, ureteronephroscopy.
Management of UTUC
– Low-risk: Endoscopic ablation + topical chemotherapy.
– High-risk localized: Radical nephroureterectomy + bladder cuff removal, postoperative intravesical chemotherapy.
– Role of lymph node dissection and neoadjuvant chemotherapy is still being defined.

International Women’s Day Women in Oncology
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:30

Colorectal Cancer
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:30

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:30
Moderator: Dr Alex Muturi
Speakers & Topics:

Prof Olusegun Alatise: Surgical & Gastroenterology Perspectives in mCRC Management
Dr Andrew Odhiambo: First‑Line Therapy in mCRC – With or Without?

Global and African Burden of CRC
– CRC is the third most diagnosed cancer globally with an increasing burden in LMICs.
– African patients show distinct molecular and clinical features, including poor survival outcomes.
Principles of Metastatic CRC Management
– Multidisciplinary approach is essential; cure remains possible in select patients.
– Surgery for metastasis should be guided by tumor biology, technical feasibility, and patient fitness.
– Synchronous vs metachronous disease influences treatment sequencing.
Imaging and Surgical Considerations
– Triphasic CT, MRI with contrast, and PET scans are standard.
– Resectability is based on liver function and margin clearance, not number/size of lesions.
Surgical and Interventional Therapies
– Options: surgical resection, ablation, HAIP chemotherapy, two-stage hepatectomy, ALPPS, SIRT.
– Preoperative chemotherapy helps with tumor downsizing and biology assessment but may impair liver function.
Genetic and Prognostic Scoring
– CRS, GAME, MRS, and MSI/BRAF/TP53 profiles aid in stratifying patients.
– Even high-risk patients can achieve long-term survival with careful selection.
Newer Modalities
– Thermal ablation is effective for small (<3cm) liver lesions.
– Liver transplant is under investigation for select liver-only, unresectable CRC.
Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
– Cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC has survival benefits in low PCI scores.
– PRODIGE 7, COLOPEC, and PROPHYLOCHIP trials show limited benefit of prophylactic HIPEC
Conclusion
– Metastatic CRC is treatable; coordinated, case-specific care improves survival.
– Early detection and healthcare system strengthening in Africa are vital.

WoCa Summit EA
2025-03-13 19:00 - 2025-03-14 20:30

Women in Oncology
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:30
International Women’s Day: Women in Oncology
Moderator: Ms Benda Kithaka
Speakers & Topics:

Dr Catherine Nyongesa: Women in Leadership
Dr Khadija Warfa: Challenges Faced by Women in Oncology
Dr Gladwell Kiarie: Women in Oncology – How to Step Up the Game!
Prof Nazik Hammad: Harnessing Solidarity Between African Women in Oncology

Dr. Warfa discussed the multifaceted challenges faced by female oncologists in Africa, including work-life imbalance, gender-based microaggressions, and structural sexism. She emphasized how family responsibilities, limited mentorship, and hierarchical work environments hinder progress. Solutions include flexible work arrangements, inclusive leadership, bias training, and equitable opportunities for advancement. She also highlighted the importance of accurate gender representation in medical discourse and the superior clinical outcomes observed among female physicians.
Dr. Nyongesa focused on leadership development for women in oncology, identifying critical attributes such as emotional intelligence, vision, resilience, and effective communication. She encouraged mentorship, strategic positioning, and self-awareness. The presentation promoted intentional leadership development and emphasized that empowered women are key to empowering entire communities.
Dr. Kiarie highlighted systemic gender disparities in oncology, such as underrepresentation in leadership, editorial boards, and conferences. She emphasized key challenges including lack of mentorship, pay gaps, burnout, and societal biases. Proposed solutions included implementing mentorship and sponsorship programs, advocating for inclusive policies, prioritizing self-care, and establishing supportive networks. She stressed the importance of visibility, advocacy, and proactive self-promotion for career progression

Updates in Myeloma Management
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30
Moderator: Dr Angela Mcligieyo
Speakers & Topics:

Dr M. B. Agarwal: Front‑line Therapy Trends
Dr Rohini Radia: Transplant‑Eligible vs Ineligible Patients
Dr M. D. Maina: Evidence‑Based Maintenance
Dr Boniface Githae: Contemporary Relapse Strategies

Dr. Maina addressed Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM), emphasizing risk stratification to predict progression to active myeloma. The 2/20/20 IMWG model (based on FLC ratio and bone marrow plasma cell %), and the Spanish model using immunoparesis and plasma cell phenotyping, were presented. Patients with ≥2 risk factors have a 50% chance of progression within 2 years. Ongoing efforts to integrate clinical and genomic risk markers aim to guide early therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Radia emphasized that autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains the standard of care for transplant-eligible patients after induction chemotherapy. Key findings from major trials (IFM2009, EMN02/H095) showed that ASCT improves progression-free survival (PFS) but does not significantly impact overall survival (OS). Post-ASCT maintenance therapy with lenalidomide improves PFS across all cytogenetic risk groups. CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies like Teclistamab and Elranatamab show promise in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), offering new options with high response rates, albeit with logistical and toxicity concerns. Kenyan real-world data shows promising survival outcomes with ASCT.
Dr. Githaiga presented practical approaches to diagnosis, transplant eligibility, and treatment selection. Diagnostic workups include comprehensive labs and bone marrow studies. For transplant-eligible patients, quadruplet regimens like Dara-VRd followed by ASCT and lenalidomide maintenance are preferred. In high-risk cases, bortezomib-based maintenance is advised. In non-transplant candidates, extended triplet regimens followed by maintenance were recommended. He also highlighted Kenyan drug cost considerations and the importance of supportive care with antivirals, antibiotics, and bone-targeting agents.

Kidney Cancer
2025-03-05 19:00 - 20:30

AML: A Local Perspective
2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Aga Khan University, Nairobi
Moderator: Prof Abinya
Speakers & Topics:

Dr Anne Mwirigi: Local Experience at a Tertiary Hospital
Dr Rohini Radia: The Role of Cytogenetics & Molecular Markers
Dr Peter Oyiro: Genomic Classification & Medical Oncology Pathways
Dr Beatrice Jepngetich: Panelist Discussion
Dr Mercy Gatua: Panelist Discussion

Summary
AML is genetically heterogeneous, with most patients having multiple driver mutations.
– WHO 2022 classification emphasizes genetic abnormalities over morphology or blast count.
– Defining cytogenetic lesions like inv(16) or t(8;21) now suffice for diagnosis even with <20% blasts.
Diagnostic Work-Up
– FBC and peripheral blood smear
– Bone marrow aspirate: morphology, flow cytometry, LAIP for MRD
– Cytogenetics: Karyotyping and FISH
– Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): TP53, NPM1, etc.
– Bone marrow trephine with immunocytochemistry.
Clinical Implications
– Risk stratification through cytogenetics + molecular testing informs prognosis and treatment plan.
– Favorable-risk patients may receive chemotherapy; adverse-risk patients considered for early allogeneic transplant.
– MRD monitoring increasingly guides transplant decisions.
Takeaways
– AML is curable in a subset with intensive chemo + risk-adapted approach.
– Precision oncology depends on accessible molecular diagnostics.
– LMICs face challenges integrating NGS-based stratification.
– Hypomethylating agents + Venetoclax offer promise in select patient groups.

International Childhood Cancer Day
2025-02-20 19:00 - 19:30
Moderator: Dr Alice Gichemi
Speaker & Topic:
Dr Terry Vik: Flow Cytometry for Rapid Diagnosis of Lymphoid Malignancies in Children & Teenagers
Global Context
– Childhood cancer cure rates: 80% in high-income countries, ~30% in LMICs.
– Barriers: delayed diagnosis, treatment abandonment, limited diagnostic access.
– WHO/SIOP target: Double survival and save 1 million children by 2030.
Leukemia Diagnosis in Kenya
– Common signs: Pallor, Pyrexia, Purpura, Pain (bony).
– First-line tests: CBC and peripheral smear.
– Many children present with Hgb < 7.0 — indicates late presentation.
Role of Flow Cytometry
– Globally standard for classifying ALL/AML.
– In Kenya, it’s reducing time-to-treatment, especially in Burkitt Lymphoma (from 13.6 to 10.5 days).
– Used on both bone marrow and peripheral blood samples for early diagnosis.
Clinical Pilot Highlights
– MTRH pilot expanding to 100 patients in 2026.
– Focus: Feasibility of flow cytometry in peripheral blood diagnostics.
– Goal: Develop scalable and SHIF/NHIF-coverable diagnostic methods.
Key Clinical Takeaways
– Recognize early signs of leukemia using the 4 P’s.
– Flow cytometry is feasible and impactful in Kenya.
– Early diagnosis can save lives — integration into local protocols is critical.

Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Awareness
2025-02-19 19:00 - 20:30

United for Cancer Prevention
2025-02-06 19:00 - 20:30
United for Cancer Prevention – People‑Centered Approaches in Healthcare

Moderator: Dr Douglas Nyandika

Speakers & Topics:

Carol Wakesa: Community‑Led Prevention Strategies
Dr Joan‑Paula Boit: Risk‑Reduction in Gynaecologic Cancers
Dr Jerome Katamba: Behavioural Science & Cancer Prevention
Dr Francis Makokha: The Socio‑Economic Determinants of Prevention Uptake
Mr David Makumi: Building Survivor‑Led Advocacy Networks

World Cancer Day Building a Resilient Oncology Workforce: Addressing Capacity Gaps in Cancer Management in Kenya
2025-02-05 19:00 - 20:30

Cervical Cancer Care
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:30
Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Moderator: Prof Rose J. Kosgei
Speakers & Topics:

Prof Omenge Orang’o: Management of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Dr Peter Oyiro: PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer
Dr Charles Muteshi: Fertility Preservation in Ovarian Cancer

Epidemiology and Diagnosis (Prof. Omenge Oran’go)
– Ovarian cancer remains a significant cause of cancer mortality among women due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages.
– Kenya sees many cases diagnosed at advanced stages (III/IV), primarily due to non-specific symptoms and lack of screening.
– Important to understand pelvic anatomy and tumor spread patterns for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
Fertility Preservation in Ovarian Cancer (Dr. Charles Muteshi)
– Fertility-sparing surgery should be considered in selected early-stage epithelial ovarian cancers (Stage I).
– Discussion on embryo/oocyte cryopreservation for patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatment.
– Emphasized need for multidisciplinary counseling and prompt fertility consultations to ensure oncologic safety and reproductive potential.
Role of PARP Inhibitors (Dr. Peter Oyiro)
– PARP inhibitors like Olaparib offer significant benefits in BRCA-mutated and homologous recombination-deficient (HRD) ovarian cancers.
– SOLO-1 and SOLO-2 studies demonstrated prolonged progression-free survival and delayed recurrence in both frontline and maintenance settings.
– 7-year follow-up data show sustained benefit, with over 48% progression-free survival in Olaparib arms.
– Low incidence of serious adverse events, with anemia, fatigue, and nausea as the most common.
– Highlighted integration into Kenya Cancer Treatment Guidelines and importance of HRD testing.
