jad joseph abbas

Dr. jad joseph abbas


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 November 2022 in Cureus
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Renata D'Alpino PeixotoRenata D'Alpino Peixoto
Renata D'Alpino Peixoto
JAjad joseph abbas
jad joseph abbas
JAJosé L Aguilar-Ponce
José L Aguilar-Ponce
HGHernan Garcia-Rivello
Hernan Garcia-Rivello
AJAngela Marie Jansen
Angela Marie Jansen
Stephen Doral StefaniStephen Doral Stefani
Stephen Doral Stefani
The incidence of colorectal cancer in Argentina and Brazil has reached levels comparable to those in higher-income countries. Similarly, the incidence of melanoma in Latin America has increased during the past decades. BRAF mutation is seen frequently in melanomas and colorectal cancer. Discovering the expression of this specific biomarker in both cancers has unleashed the potential for targeted molecular therapies. In patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, adopting a combined targeted treatment approach has shown a dramatic increase in overall survival. However, several barriers impede the development of early BRAF testing in Latin America, jeopardizing the potential for personalized therapies and care. To address this, the Americas Health Foundation convened a virtual meeting of Latin American oncologists to address the barriers to BRAF testing in melanoma and colorectal cancer. During a three-day conference, expert oncologists used literature reviews and personal experience to detail the barriers to early BRAF testing in their region. They proposed actionable steps to overcome the barriers identified, which included deficiencies in knowledge, treatment options, equitable distribution, timely results, and local data on BRAF mutations. Oncologists proposed several actions to overcome barriers, including raising public and healthcare awareness about the importance of BRAF testing, expanding treatment options in clinics across the region, developing centers in underserved areas, and increasing affordable treatment options for patients who test positive for BRAF mutations.